Valverde’s men equalised through an excellent Jordi Alba volley from a sumptuous Messi assist in the 83rd minute. The goal means Barça maintain their undefeated record at Mestalla stretching back to 2007.
FC Barcelona kicked off with a spell of possession ending in a well-struck Paulinho effort which Valencia keeper Neto tipped over the bar. Both sides were snapping into tackles and looking to make sure the opposing team didn’t settle into the game. The second shot on goal came from Rakitic, which was gathered well, following some confident passing in midfield.
The tight start continued as Valencia set up with two solid banks of four in defence. In the 21st minute, Messi dropped deep to pick the ball up from Vermaelen and floated a brilliant ball over the Valencia defence which Jordi Alba almost got on the end of.
The Argentinian star burst into life in the 30th minute and his first-time shot was spilled by Neto, with replays showing the ball crossed the line and was then palmed out by the opposition keeper. Barça thought they had scored and were celebrating when Zaza counter-attacked and shot just wide.
Soon after, Messi dribbled past Kondogbia, who brought him down and was shown a yellow card for his illegal challenge. Barça’s number ‘10’ lined up the free kick and his curling effort from 30-yards was comfortably saved.
The blaugranas cranked up their efforts, with Semedo probing down the right, Iniesta playing a smart one-two on the edge of the box, and Suárez almost scoring but he was pushed wide by Gayá and saw his shot from an acute angle saved.
By the end of the first half, Barça had had 71% possession but it was still goalless at the Mestalla. The blaugranas had come up against a tough, well-drilled side who were out to defend well and keep the visitors at bay.
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