Valencia 2-3 Barcelona: 5 talking points as Lionel Messi double lifts Catalans to important victory | La Liga 2020-21

#3 Was ter Stegen obstructed during Valencia's opener?

Valencia's first goal was controversial as ter Stegen seemed to have been fouled

Eyebrows were raised after Valencia's opening goal as Marc-Andre ter Stegen looked to have been blocked in goal. Replays clearly showed Thierry Correia obstructing the German when the corner was played in which caused him to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

📸 - Ter Stegen complained about being blocked, but the goal stands. pic.twitter.com/Ivfma5m3iS

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) May 2, 2021

The referee consulted the video assistant referees before allowing the goal to stand, but it sparked a controversy over whether it should've really been a goal. It's not clear whether Correia fouled ter Stegen or if the latter went down too easily.

It's a really close call and one that's open to interpretations.

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#4 Soler scores a 'goal of the season' contender

Soler executed the most audacious strike you'll see in La Liga this season

We've seen goals like this before but it's still something extraordinary and one that will be discussed with abandon while deciding on the goal of the season.

Christian Oliva pounced on a loose ball from Ilaix Moriba and squared it to Soler, who audaciously unleashed a 35-yard howitzer that crashed into the back of the net, leaving Barcelona goalkeeper ter Stegen with no chance.

💡 CARLOS SOLER illuminates the game with a thunderous strike past a helpless Ter Stegen. #ValenciaBarçahttps://t.co/lHrVYo78me

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) May 2, 2021

Absolutely stunning. A surefire contender for the best goal award.

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#5 All eyes on Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Barcelona will face the last test of their title ambitions

Barcelona survived a late scare to end their winless run against Valencia. A sigh of relief, right? No! Up next for them are leaders Atletico Madrid, a crunch game which could potentially decide the course of the 2020/21 league title.

Three points separate Barcelona, Atletico, Real Madrid and Sevilla at the top of La Liga.May 8: Barcelona vs. AtleticoMay 9: Real Madrid vs. Sevilla🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/skO6vMYFNs

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 29, 2021

Should the Catalans lose, their ambitions will be put paid to. Should they draw, it'll open up a chance for arch-rivals Real Madrid to take pole position. So anything but a victory would be catastrophic for Barcelona.

It's now or never.