La Liga giants FC Barcelona edged out Valencia in a tough away match at Mestalla.
Polish striker Robert Lewandoski‘s injury-time goal made the difference between the two teams.
Barcelona were coming into the match with a 3-0 loss against Bayern Munich. The Blaugrana were desperate for a win. Xavi’s side were up against a Valencia team who did not win in the last three matches.
The Catalan giants started with a 4-3-3 formation. Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept his place under the goal. Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Jordi Alba played at the back four. Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and Pedri completed the three-man midfield. Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati started on the wings while Robert Lewandowski was the striker.
Lewandowski Rescues Full Points for Barcelona
Catalan giants Barcelona had a great start to the match. The visitors got their first chance to score in the 13th minute of the game. Barcelona midfielder Pedri found Fati in the box with a brilliant pass. But Valencia goalkeeper Mamardashvili kept Fati’s effort from close range out of target.
Soon after that, Valencia suffered a huge setback. Their talismanic striker Cavani had to be subbed off after taking up a knock. Marc Andre then replaced the Uruguayan striker.
Barcelona thought they have taken the lead when Fati defeated Mamardashvili after Lewanwoski found him in the box. However, the goal was chalked off due to an offside infringement.
Barcelona defender Eric Garcia then became the second player of the match who got subbed off within the first half after suffering an injury. Former Chelsea player Marcos Alonso replaced Eric at the back. Then just ahead of halftime, Lewandowski’s header rattled the post.
The first half ended with the scoreline still tied 0-0. Just after the restart, Valencia player Samuel Lino’s goal was chalked off after the VAR review. The Catalan Giants then lost their second centre-back Jules Kounde due to an injury in the 74th minute.
Former Manchester City striker Ferran Torres got a golden chance to score against his former team when Pedri’s pass found him in a dangerous position. But the Spaniard scuffed his effort from close range and missed the opportunity.
Just when it looked like, Barcelona will drop two points, their talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski scored the winner of the game. Brazilian winger Raphinha’s hopeful deep cross defeated every Valencia defender before the Polish striker stabbed it home.
The game ended with a 1-0 scoreline in favour of Barcelona. With this win, the Catalan giants have now reached the top of the table. They have 31 points from twelve matches. Barcelona will play Viktoria Plzen in their next game.
