It was billed as a title decider and even walking around Mestalla in the hours leading up to the game, it had the feel of one too.
By the time the Valencia team bus rolled in with an hour so until kick-off, anticipation was at boiling point. Phone lights were raised to the sky and a chorus of “for the badge” erupted. These fans haven’t seen a good team for some time so they’re making the most of it.
In terms of the game itself, Valencia and Barcelona did not disappoint. In fact the only thing to do so was the outrageous decision to cancel out Lionel Messi’s valid goal.
Barça had been very much in the ascendancy throughout the first half, carving out their most impressive 45 minutes of the season so far. Critics have cornered Barca to the criticism they are not enterprising or entertaining as they once were, but in the first half at Mestalla they offered the flat and vibrance of some of their finest teams down the years.
Messi dictated play as ever, while Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba buzzed about the field. Sergio Busquets was as ever in control through central midfield, and at the back Samuel Umtiti offered up his unique artistry in defence. Valencia couldn’t cope for large periods and were overawed by the occasion had been put before them.
Nerves were evident in Marcelino’s team, and they seemed to lack the belief they have had for much of the season. Instead of looking to take the game to their opponent and show personality, they retreated and let Barca get comfortable. A mistake you simply can’t make when facing Messi and co, who if given an inch will almost certainly attempt to take a mile.
Even aside from the goal that wasn’t, Ernesto Valverde’s men should’ve been leading going into the break. Alas they were not and such is the situation at this level, you can so easily be punished for not making the most of your chances.
Valencia, buoyed by the scoreline still being level, came out with the appearance of the team we’ve seen sweep many aside this season. They pushed up after sitting for much of the first half deep, and decided to get on the ball and grab those 50/50’s they were losing consistently in the previous 45 minutes.
Geoffrey Kondogbia began to assert his dominance in midfield by breaking up Barca play before they could reach the final third, while Dani Parejo showed why he’s still very much one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe. Goncalo Guedes sparked into life, while Jose Luis Gaya also sparkled with more daring runs down his left hand side. It was through the full-back Valencia scored, as he brought Guedes into play and Rodrigo handed the hosts the lead.
If it wasn’t for Messi’s genius, and a fine finish from former Valencia man Jordi Alba, Barca might’ve been seething even more this morning. On balance of play the 1-1 was a fair result, but that disallowed goal of course changes that and while there were claims for a Valencia penalty it wasn’t such an obviously erroneous decision.
Valencia can consider themselves very fortunate in that regard, but it certainly hasn’t favoured them in the hours after full-time. Guedes looks set for at least a month on the sidelines as he needs an operation on a metatarsal injury. Jeison Murillo meanwhile, who missed this one out, is set for two months out.
A severe test of Valencia’s title contender credentials is upon us, perhaps even more stern than what Barca offered up at Mestalla. No European football has helped Marcelino’s side immensely, but they couldn’t avoid injuries all season long. Now, with two key men sidelined, they will be under the microscope even more.
The point wasn’t a bad result for Barca either, as they remain comfortable at the top of the league and will be blessed by the return of Ousmane Dembele sooner or later. Luis Suarez remains a concern however, as he huffed and puffed about the field on Sunday evening his decline became even more evident. Out of shape, frustrated and generally at odds with Barca’s system, even the most simple thing seems a struggle for him.
Real Madrid may be well off the pace, but LaLiga still does have a title race and Valencia are very much a part of it.
