Barcelona vs Valencia Match Preview
There's no doubt this game will receive major attention all around the globe, as Pep Guardiola's Blaugranas will be taking on the leader at the Camp Nou, where the Cule's performance has been far from satisfying.
Sixteen points grants Valencia the top position, but the leadership could only be secured with a victory against the reigning champion. Barcelona's top striker David Villa meets face to face their former team mates in a clash of giants of consequences unknown. "It'd be weird to see him (Villa) wearing different colors, for he's a great player and a dear friend, but all I think about is victory" said Valencia's striker Juan Mata.
Valencia has suffered when facing rival of its level: they could only obtain one point against Atletico and were defeated by Manchester United for the Champions League. A victory will also send a message to Jose Mourinho and Juan Carlos Garrido, who wouldn't be able to reach the Bats at least for another week.
There will be many absentees on both sides: Xavi and Pedro, who've been training with normality during the week, might finally not be risked by Barcelona's coach, while Emery will have to do without Joaquin Sanchez and Miguel Brito (struggling with injuries) while Marius Stankevicius has not been training with the team for a gastrointestinal infection.
"The next match is to be faced with personality and a strong and opened mind.. This is not easy, Barcelona tied only one game in the last season: They might not be having the easiest of time nowadays, still they're always Barcelona. We foresee a gigantic Barcelona and we believe if we continue doing things the right way we can claim the three points" said Emery.
Lio Messi and David Villa's partnership will offer a tough riddle to solve to Che's offense. Guaje's Blaugrana loyalty will be tested for the first time, who will claim this six pointer?
Barcelona vs Valencia Match Report
Barcelona secured three decisive points at the Camp Now against a rival that dominated throughout the whole first half. Barcelona was drifting, running out of ideas against Unai Emery's aggressive scheme, and Pablo Hernandez opened the score at the 37th minute, foreboding a promising future for the Che squad.
Xavi Hernandez was Pep Guardiola's ace up his sleeve and for the second half Blaugrana's most creative midfielder lead the offense on his own, assisting Andres iniesta first and Carles Puyol a little later to give Guardiola's Cules the advantage.
Ever Banega returned to Valencia's starting squad, but he was unable to build anything with Barcelona's fierce opposition. David Villa played a game of great personal importance in which he missed plenty of opportunities to open a bigger gap from his former team mates.
Valencia's coach might be the subject of many critics during the week, as he choose to leave Juan Mata and Aritz Aduriz on the bench, relegating Valencia's offense until it was too late.
Carles Puyol's aerial expertise granted Barcelona once again the victory against a tough rival. This victory sends a clear message to Jose Mourinho and Juan Carlos Garrido, for Pep Guardiola is determined to fight until his last breath to defend the title.
