Valencia 1-1 Barcelona: 5 Talking Points

#2 You just can’t stop Lionel Messi

Valencia v Barcelona - La Liga

Alright, this was Messi’s fifth game without a goal in all competitions. That’s a goal-drought we don’t usually get to see often. But then again, when he’s not doing the scoring, he makes sure that he gets everything else right.

Valencia were a compact unit last night and while Barcelona did trouble them with their quick passing in the first half, the second half was lacklustre. Just when it seemed like the winning run was about to end, Messi decided to change gears.

The Barcelona goal came out of nothing. Well, Messi often doesn’t need time, so don’t really be surprised. He decided to drop deep, and play a deft pass for an overlapping Jordi Alba on the left. The pass the brilliant, the finish? Even better. For a fullback to smash home a volley on the run is no mean feat.

The Argentine star played as many as three key passes and had it not been for Suarez’s ineptness in drifting offside, he could have had more assists or even a goal on the night.