Lewandowski late winner helps Barca defeat brave Valencia

news banner image

Barcelona did their job at Mestalla. Despite facing a brave Valencia side, Xavi's team kept trying and managed to take all three points thanks to a last-gasp Lewandowski goal.

1 year ago
Barcelona are back to winning ways again. After the Champions League debacle, the 'Cules' needed to get back to winning ways and although Valencia tried to rub salt in the wound, the visitors managed to take the three points to stay in the fight at the top with Real Madrid.
The first half was hard fought. Xavi's team kept possession of the ball and created several chances but Valencia defended tooth and nail. The home team tried to play the ball out from the back but the 'Cules' high pressing, which they have been doing all season, prevented them from doing so easily.
The Catalan side had several chances to take the lead, but the clearest chance came just a minute before half-time. Jordi Alba's cross from the left flank found the head of Lewandowski. The Pole's header hit the post and the move ended in a happy ending for Valencia, as it would have been a hard blow for Gattuso's side before the break.
Valencia warned the 'Cules' just five minutes into the second half. Lino gave Valencia the lead but the goal was disallowed for a previous handball by Marcos Andre, which was enough for the VAR to correct the referee's decision.
The match was also marked by a large number of injuries. Cavani was replaced in the first half by Marco Andre due to injury and for the Catalan team, Kounde and Eric Garcia were replaced by Pique and Marcos Alonso for the same reason.
However, Barcelona did not throw in the towel. 6 minutes were added on. In the 95th minute, Poland's Lewandowski managed to turn Raphinha's incredible cross from the edge of the box into a lovely finish to give the 'Cules' the three points.

Comments