Barcelona 1-0 Valencia: Raphinha strike Helps Barca cement position on Top of La Liga Table
La Liga leaders Barcelona, who are flying high this season and currently on a drivers seat in the league, have further cemented their position on the top, as Brazilian star Raphinha’s mind blowing header gave them a narrow 1-0 victory over strugglers Valencia, even after being reduced to 10 men.
With this win, Xavi’s men have increased the gap between them and arch rivals Real Madrid, encompassing nine points, after Real played out a stalemate against Real Betis, with no goals to show for.
Ansu Fati as the winger
Xavi fielded a different team from the last match’s Clasico victory against Real Madrid, with Ansu starting as a winger and Ferran playing as a false nine , teaming with Raphinha on the right, who has been given to shoulder the responsibilities of wing play after Dembele’s injury layoff.
The famous “BACK” four was also back for defending duties, comprising Balde, Araujo, Christensen and Kounde. Although Barcelona had started strongly, but it was Valencia who looked to be the stronger side at stretches in Camp Nou.
Attack is in good hands
Raphinha was well on course to score some open goals but was always hindered by the Valenica defense lineup. But it was on the 15th minute, the hosts opened up the scoring courtesy to the Brazilian winger. With a brilliant long pass by the captain Sergio Busquets, Raphinha headed home the ball, jumping over giant goalie of the visitors, Mamardashvili. That strike was enough to ensure a hard-fought victory, thus extending their lead.
After the solitary goal, Raphinha did his trademark celebration, sliding through the sidelines , which we have seen quite a few times this season.
Barcelona also missed a penalty, when Ferran Torres blundered a chance to go 2-0 up, after missing from spot, as his shot went wide to the left side of the goal, with the goalie having no chances of saving it.
Key defender to miss some matches
Ronald Araujo, Xavi’s trusted guardsman of the team is set to miss the next match against Athletic Club, as he is suspended after a tactical foul on Valencia’s Hugo Duro. After being down to ten men, it went difficult for the hosts to maintain the lead, but thankfully they were able to keep their clean sheet record intact.
“We have suffered”- says the boss
Xavi, the midfield maestro and current manager of the Blaugranes at helm, was heard saying in the post match interview, “We have suffered too much today, we have defended well [after the red card] but we should have scored the second before that.”
He also added, “We have close games like this and we didn’t do it today due to the lack of effectiveness which meant we had to suffer until the end. It’s a growing experience.”
