Valencia vs FC Barcelona: Barça gets a valuable point at Mestalla (1-1)

Barcelona (FCB).- The draw with Valencia rounds off a week with two difficult away trips which FC Barcelona have come out of unbeaten in the Spanish League and have also sees them stretch their lead over Real Madrid to 16 points. The Spanish League leaders came away with a valuable draw from a game with few chances in either box after a Messi penalty just before the break equalised Banega’s opener.

Few chances

This fixture is guaranteed to produce an intense game of football and Valencia began the match harrying Barça high up the pitch to stop them bringing the ball out under control. The tactic worked and neither team made any clear chances early on, with Guaita and Valdés reduced to virtual spectators of the high pressure duel in midfield.

Banega and Messi on target

Valencia’s first real chance on 33 minutes ended in a goal when Banega took advantage of a poor clearance from a Joao Pereira cross to fire past Valdés. The Portuguese player was also involved in Barça’s equaliser five minutes later, bringing down Pedro in the box. Messi made no mistake from the spot and the teams went in level at the break.

Cesc missed

The second half began where the first had left off, with plenty of midfield tussle, but few clear cut chances. Barça looked to be paying the price of their midweek exertions and lacked their usual sparkle, though Cesc had a good chance to give them the lead when he was set up by Messi, only to shoot inches wide.

Heroics from Valdés

Even so, the visitors looked in control as the game entered the last 20 minutes and David Villa, who received a great ovation when he came on the pitch on 72 minutes, missed  great chance to wrap up the game. In the end though, it was Valdés who proved the hero with a brilliant last minute save from Soldado to ensure the leaders continue to chalk up the points.