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Scorers: Ezequiel Garay 2’ and Lionel Messi 23’
After the intense midweek UEFA Champions League action, LaLiga returned with Valencia hosting Barcelona at the Mestalla. The Catalan giants started the game in the third place in the league, having played a game less. On the other hand, Valencia started in the bottom half of the table with just eight points from seven games.
Ernesto Valverde made four changes to the side that drew with Athletic Bilbao last week. Thomas Vermaelen started alongside Pique in defence and Arthur started in midfield. Marcelino made four changes of his own as Guedes and Garay returned to the starting lineup in place of Cheryshev and Diakhaby respectively.
Lionel Messi equalized after Ezequiel Garay’s opener and the game finished 1-1 at the Estadio Mestalla. Barcelona currently sits in the second place, a point behind the table toppers, Sevilla.
On that note, let’s take a look at the key talking points from the game.
#1 Guedes early departure took the steam off Valencia’s attack
Valencia started the game brilliantly, attacking on the counter with Guedes and Soler on either flank. They opened the scoring in the second minute from a corner through Ezequiel Garay’s tap in. Valencia went close again in the fifth minute with Batshuayi and Kondogbia. Guedes looked sharp and troubled Semedo with his stunning pace.
Barcelona struggled early in the game but everything changed after 11 minutes. Guedes left the field because of an injury and was replaced by Russia’s 2018 World Cup hero, Dennis Cheryshev.
Barcelona got back into the game and started creating chances of their own. Valencia’s attack lacked steam after Guedes’ departure and it was all up to defence for the rest of the game.
#2 Coutinho and Suarez disappoint; Arthur impressive
After a stunning start to the 2018/19 campaign, Philippe Coutinho looked a bit out of sorts at the Mestalla. He was often crowded out and rarely allowed to get into dangerous areas. Suarez too looked a frustrated figure on the night. He looked a tired player and lacked sharpness.
On the other hand, Arthur Melo was really impressive for the away team. The youngster showed a lot of promise in midfield and looked really comfortable in possession. Arthur attempted 142 passes against Valencia and completed 135 of them, which is a La Liga record in 2018/19.
#3 The home side got what they wanted after a tireless defensive display
After their first win of the season against Real Sociedad last weekend, Valencia needed at least a point against Barcelona to keep the momentum and they got what they wanted. Though Valencia created quite a few good opportunities early in the first half, chances completely waned in the second half.
They were made to sit deep and defend in numbers for the most part of the game. They denied space to Barcelona in the final third and was solid at the back. Garay was brilliant throughout the night and in the end, Marcelino’s side finished the happier of the two. Though it wasn’t a win, they have a point to show for their stunning defensive display.
#4 Messi saves Barcelona, yet again
Irrespective of how much they have spent in the transfer market, Barcelona always needed Lionel Messi and nothing has changed so far this season. After two draws and a defeat in their previous three La Liga fixtures, Barcelona needed a win to retain the top place in the La Liga standings.
After a stunning display against Tottenham in the UEFA Champions League, Messi was the focus once again at the Estadio Mestalla.
Though he wasn’t at his usual best against Valencia, he was good enough to salvage a point for the Catalan giants. Messi played a brilliant one-two with Suarez on the edge of the penalty area and slots it into the bottom corner. A brilliant goal by the 31-year-old to level the game 1-1.
#5 Barcelona's winless La Liga streak continues
After a good start to the 2018/19 campaign with four wins in four games, Barcelona seemed to have lost their way in the past few La Liga games. The drew 2-2 against Girona at home and lost 2-1 to Leganes on the road. They drew once again at home against Athletic Bilbao last weekend and looked far less convincing.
It was another frustrating night for Ernesto Valverde as they came back from behind to finish 1-1. With just three points from their last four league games, the Catalan giants are currently second in the La Liga standings. Barcelona plays table-toppers Sevilla next and Valverde's side has to improve a lot to arrest their recent slide.
