Sergio Busquets scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure Barcelona all three points away to Valencia on Sunday evening.
The home side were the better team for long spells of the La Liga contest, but could not make the breakthrough and were punished late on following an extended period of pressure.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action at the Mestalla.
Match statistics
VALENCIA
Shots: 12
On target: 4
Possession: 29%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10
BARCA
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 71%
Corners: 8
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
It does not matter how this match is dissected, Valencia did not deserve to lose on Sunday evening. Los Che were the better side for long periods of the first half and should have entered with at least a one-goal lead at the interval. The home side continued to force the issue as the second period advanced, but in fairness to Barcelona, they looked the team more likely to win it in the final 10 minutes of action. Valencia missed a number of golden chances at the Mestalla and were eventually made to pay. The statistics point to an even match and a draw would have just about been a fair reflection of what was an incredible match.
Valencia's performance
Valencia only have themselves to blame for failing to take something from the match. Despite their lack of possession - they only had 29% - the hosts created the better chances at the Mestalla and will feel that they deserved to claim all three points. Alvaro Negredo and Sofiane Feghouli both had glorious opportunities, but were denied by Barca stopper Claudio Bravo. In wide positions, Rodrigo was also threatening, while Andre Gomes put in a classy midfield performance.
Defensively, Nuno's side were also impressive, with Nicolas Otamendi dealing with the threat of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez for long spells of the contest. In truth, the only criticism of Valencia is that they failed to take their chances, which was ultimately the reason why they lost this match. Instead of pressing Barcelona in the final minutes, Valencia continued to invite pressure, which ultimately led to the only goal of the contest. The hosts will be left questioning just how they managed to lose the match following one of their most impressive team performances of the season.
Barca's performance
Barcelona had 72% of the possession in the first period, but managed just one attempt on goal. That attempt came from Suarez, which really should have brought the opening goal, but aside from that chance, they struggled in the first 45 minutes. As mentioned, that was also the case for much of the second half, but they did turn the screw in the final minutes. Despite boasting an incredible wealth of attacking talent, it was Busquets that secured the points with his first Barca goal in 14 months.
In truth, the Catalan outfit were fortunate to claim all three points at the Mestalla and there is much to ponder for head coach Luis Enrique. The Spaniard is yet to really get the best out of Suarez, Messi and Neymar as a front three, while Barca's formation was a little strange, with Javier Mascherano flirting between defence and midfield. Despite enjoying plenty of the ball, the visitors really struggled to create clear openings and scored with just their third attempt on goal. That said, Enrique's side are now just one point behind the league leaders Real Madrid after 13 matches.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Nicolas Otamendi: Barca stopper Bravo made some excellent saves, but Otamendi simply has to be recognised for his performance. If one player did not deserve to be on the losing side then it was the Argentine. As touched upon, Barca's front three all struggled to get the best of the centre-back, who was a tower of strength in the air and calm in possession of the ball. The only blot on his performance was an unsavoury first-half altercation with Neymar, which will be discussed later.
Biggest gaffe
Otamendi and Neymar both played their part in this particular incident. The Valencia defender felt that Neymar had dived inside the box during the first period and proceeded to let the Brazilian know what he thought of the fall. Neymar appeared to put his head into the face of Otamendi, who immediately fell to the ground under little contact. It was a poor reaction from the Valencia centre-back, but Neymar must also be criticised for using his head in such a manner.
Referee performance
David Fernandez had a busy evening at the Mestalla. The referee issued seven yellow cards in total and in truth, it could have been more. There were a number of late challenges in the first period, but Fernandez did well to calm proceedings when needed. Barcelona were unhappy that Suarez had a legitimate goal ruled out for offside, but Fernandez needed more help from his linesman on that particular occasion. The official will certainly sleep well following a feisty evening of football.
What next?
Valencia: Los Che are in Copa del Rey action away to Rayo Vallecano on Thursday, before travelling to Granada in the league on Sunday.
Barca: Barca travel to Huesca in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening, before welcoming local rivals Espanyol in the league on Sunday.
Matt Law
