Valencia vs Barcelona live on May 2, 2021: How to watch this La Liga tie in 180+ countries

May 1, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Barcelona, Valencia, La Liga

The Blaugrana look to bounce back from their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Granada but will need to end their poor run at the Mestalla. Here's a preview of Sunday's clash.

Preview – Valencia vs Barcelona

Barcelona return to action in La Liga on Sunday, with the Blaugrana looking to make amends for their recent slip-up when they lock horns with Valencia for their 3 p.m. showdown. The Mestalla will be the venue for this clash as Blaugrana fans eagerly await their team's response to their midweek defeat, be it a positive or negative reaction.

Koeman's men had the golden opportunity of going top of the league on Thursday when they hosted Granada, a team with the worst defensive record this season, missing several key players. Had the Catalan giants won this game in hand, they would have moved ahead of Atletico Madrid, the team that currently hold the number one spot.

Messi and Co. quickly found the opening goal, breaking the deadlock right under 25 minutes, with Leo scoring after combining exquisitely well with Antoine Griezmann. However, the Camp Nou side failed to kill off the game despite dominating the possession and they were made to pay in the second half, with goals from Machis and Molina completing a comeback victory for the Andalusian side.

And just like that, in the blink of an eye, the Blaugrana went from the favorites to win the title to the team fighting against the odds. If Barcelona are to win the Spanish top-flight title, they will need to win every one of their remaining five fixtures, including their tricky showdown with Atletico, and must hope Real Madrid drop points between now and the end of the season.

Next weekend, Messi and Co. will play hosts to Simeone's table-toppers, making Sunday's showdown with Valencia all the more important. Defeat at the Mestalla could be the fatal blow to their confidence while victory might just be what they need to usurp Los Rojiblancos. Unfortunately, the visitors will be without Koeman at the dugout as the Dutch tactician was sent off in the 2-1 loss to Granada.

Barcelona have already lost four times on the road this season and were beaten in their last trip to the Mestalla. Does another defeat await the Catalan giants? Valencia are never a team to be taken lightly but it should be noted that Los Che are not enjoying a season to remember.

Javi Gracia's side are currently winless in their last five games and have lost 13 of their 33 league matches this season. As a result, Valencia sit in 14th with only 36 points, six above the relegation zone and 34 behind a UEFA Champions League spot. Can Los Che record a victory over the title contenders? Tune in to find out.

Team news

Valencia: Thierry Correia is the only concern for this fixture. Jasper Cillessen is back for the home side but it remains uncertain whether he will be given a starting role.

Barcelona: Coutinho, Fati, and Braithwaite are all out for this tricky trip. Lenglet and Dest, who were rested in the 2-1 Granada defeat, should return to the lineup in place of Umtiti and Roberto, who struggled on Thursday.

Key stats

Valencia have lost only three times at home this season in La Liga.
Barcelona have suffered only four defeats away from home in the Spanish top-flight.
The Blaugrana have lost only one of their last nine encounters with Valencia (W4, D4).
However, the Catalan giants are without a victory in their last three visits to the Mestalla.