Barcelona succumbed to an incredible 2-1 loss at home against a spirited Valencia side continuing their incredibly poor run of form ever since their El Clasico loss to arch-rivals Real Madrid. Luis Enrique's men failed to get the better of Valencia and have now thrown the title race wide open.
Here is how various pundits, players and managers reacted after yesterday’s match:
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique tried to remain positive after a disappointing loss.
“These are games that are very difficult to play and the team came up with a magnificent response,”
“We played a very complete first half, but we were unlucky and we needed it to win the game.”
“I remain positive about our level of play, we were very superior, but not so effective,” he said after a game in which Barça managed one goal despite seven shots on target while Valencia scored twice on just three shots on target. “We had very good stretches in the second half but it wasn't to be.”
Sometimes that's what happens at football. You have to know how to lose.”
The manager also praised the fans at Camp Nou
“Now we have an incredible challenge in front of us. If we win the five remaining games we will be the champions.”
“I've never seen Camp Nou so behind the team in the situation that we are in.”
Gerard Pique meanwhile remained confident that Barcelona would secure the La Liga title
"We have no margin for error, we have no cushion left," said Gerard Piqué after FC Barcelona lost to Valencia, 2–1, at Camp Nou on Sunday night. Nevertheless, "on a normal day we would have won four to one."
"If the team plays like we did today, I'm sure we will win the league."
But, "despite having taken a step backwards it’s good for the team to know that today we played very well," he said. "We must win the remaining five games."
Ivan Rakitic confirmed that they will fight till the end.
Valencia attacked twice and scored two goals, we have had a ton of occasions to score, but that’s football."
"We have to stay together to avoid the little things that decided the match."
"Our attitude, desire and rhythm have been spectacular, but today the ball did not want to go in."
"We are sad because of how well we played and how little it mattered. It is not easy, but together we will fight until the end."
Club captain Iniesta was determined to play well and win the league.
"Can't explain today's game, but it happens. We depend on ourselves and believe more than ever that we'll do it! Força Barça!"
Meanwhile, eventhough Barcelona lost, Messi still managed to set a record
Valencia’s new manager Paco Ayestaran was thrilled with the victory and he dedicated it to the fans.
"I think that this was the least we could do for the fans, who have suffered so much and had so much disappointment this season. I think we have vindicated them as a team, and they can be proud of what they saw today. I think that the fans deserve this.
"There is always an incentive, because the future depends on what you do every day. The future of this team and these players depends on what they did today and what they continue to do throughout the season.”
Dani Parejo was thrilled with his side’s performance and said humbleness and sacrifice were the key to his side’s victory.
"To get the win here requires respect, humbleness and sacrifice"
Valencia defender Mustafi tweeted a hilarious picture of the Valencia team recreating the Real Madrid dressing room celebration.
The gist of how Barcelona’s season is turning out was given in this short tweet.
