The results of Valencia vs Barcelona in the 2023-2024 Spanish League are already known. The duel at the Mestalla Stadium, Valencia, Saturday (16/12/2023) ended with a score of 1-1.
Barcelona took the lead first via Joao Felix’s flick (55′). However, Los Che successfully responded with Hugo Guillamon’s beautiful kick in the 70th minute.
Playing as the visiting team, Barcelona actually appeared dominant from the early minutes. However, Valencia is not without opportunities. They even threatened first in the second minute when Roman Yaremchuk’s shot from inside the penalty box was brilliantly blocked by Inaki Pena.
Then, in the 16th minute, the goalkeeper who graduated from the La Masia academy was forced into action again. This time, Carlos Mosquera’s header from a corner kick was saved. Barcelona did not remain silent. In the 18th minute, Robert Lewandowski’s shot was stopped by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
After ten minutes, the goalkeeper from Georgia saved his goal again, this time from Lewandowski’s acrobatic kick. In the 35th minute, the Polish striker again had to see his opportunity thwarted beautifully by Mamardashvili.
Before halftime, Joao Felix threatened with a header. However, Mamardashvili was able to catch the ball and force the first half to end with a score of 0-0.
After the break, another wave of Barcelona attacks hit Los Che’s defense. As a result, Felix opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Frenkie de Jong’s pass found Raphinha on the wing. The ball was then fed and the Portuguese striker finished sweetly.
Buying and selling attacks occurred after the goal. However, Valencia was able to make good use of the situation. Fran Perez’s cross failed to be cleared properly, then Diego Lopez headed the ball towards Guillamon. He then curled a beautiful shot to beat Pena in the 70th minute!
Again, buying and selling attacks occurred and both teams saw each other’s mistakes. Unfortunately, the various opportunities obtained could not be converted into goals. The 1-1 score lasted until disbandment.
This is Barcelona’s fifth draw in the Spanish League this season. This one point is certainly very disappointing for Xavi who is looking for victory after a series of previous negative results.
After the match, Xavi said Barcelona was too naive in the match. He emphasized that the Blaugrana did not deserve a point because they played so well.
“In football, when you forgive too much, things like this happen. We deserved this win. “We played very well and did what was necessary to win the match,” said Xavi as quoted by Diario AS, Sunday (17/12/2023).
“We created enough chances to win. We have to be stronger in the opponent’s area. I think we lost two points. “We eliminated a point that made us very dissatisfied,” he continued.
Furthermore, Xavi explained that the goal scored against the opponent was purely the fault of his players who lacked focus. The Spanish formation expert believes that Barcelona should have secured a 2-0 victory in this match.
“(The) goal was a mistake. If we have to focus on something, it is effectiveness. We cannot forgive incidents like this. We must demand more of ourselves. Today is the final. “We controlled the game to make the score 0-2,” said Xavi.
“I am calm. Disappointed because I think this is a must-win game. I want to be positive. I saw a good feeling in that match. We will get better,” he concluded.
