3 Things We Learned: Valencia CF vs FC Barcelona

Barcelona managed to come away with three points after a last-minute Lionel Messi penalty in a tough match.

The Trident

I could easily just focus on Messi after another match-winning performance, but instead I’ll focus on the M-S-N trio. These three are the metaphorical lifeline for when Barça desperately need them. This match was tough, and was certainly character-building in some respect, but thankfully it was still a win for Barça due to efficient finishing by Messi and Luis Suárez.

This was another match in which the Catalans struggled against an organised side with a clear game plan. The injury to Andrés Iniesta didn’t help either because he is a crucial player when Barcelona are put under pressure due to his calm and collected nature. However, the front three pulled the team through by taking advantage of chances that came their way. Messi buried a low finish after picking up the ball in the box for the first goal. Suárez took advantage after Diego Alves parried a header from Ivan Rakitić in his general direction to fire home the second goal. The best was saved till last though, Messi had to banish his demons from the penalty spot against the best penalty stopper in the world. He promptly powered the penalty right in to the corner even though Alves guessed the right way.

Three crucial points from a tough ground to play in, when they weren’t playing their best, makes this a key moment in the season so far especially seen as Sevilla and Atlético Madrid are playing each other this weekend. Barcelona once again have the creativity, finishing and predatory instincts of the front three to thank.

The Importance of Umtiti

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This was always going to be a tough test for the defence in the atmospheric cauldron that is the Mestalla Stadium. However, the injuries to Gerard Piqué and Jordi Alba in the midweek match severely weakened the defence for this match. Aside from Javier Mascherano, they lacked experience, but the Argentine hasn’t exactly being reliable this season. Therefore the signs weren’t positive going in to the match. The injury to Iniesta early in the match compounded these fears, even with the reliable figure of Sergio Busquets providing protection in front of the defense.

However, I needn’t have worried because the young French defender Samuel Umtiti stepped up when needed. He put in an assured performance which showed maturity beyond his years. Not only did he cut out danger, he also provided the a crucial link between the goalkeeper and midfield which allowed Barca to start build up play. Without his relaxed presence in defence, Barcelona could have easily completely collapsed, but thanks to him they were able to recover after their brief ten minute hiccup in which they conceded the two Valencia goals. Based on the performances he is putting in currently, it seems like Umtiti has the right mix of defensive awareness and passing quality to thrive at center-back.

Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images. /

Midfielder Differences

There was a stark contrast between two of the Barcelona midfielders. It can be harsh to compare players based on specific moments, but I believe they sum up the two players so far this season. André Gomes didn’t track back in the build up to the first Valencia goal which allowed Munir El Haddadi a free shot on the edge of the box. Munir took the opportunity with open arms and scored the equalizer with a first-time shot. These fine margins are what separate good and great players, but they are vital to ensuring Barcelona success. Hopefully this is just a part of his learning curve because no one is questioning his attacking ability. There is also the factor that the role he is learning is very hard and unique. However, his performance was in contrast to Ivan Rakitić.

The Croatian put his heart and soul in to the performance, and aside from his miss from eight yards it was a faultless performance. His effort was personified by his attempt to recover possession and keep the ball moving in the 93rd minute. Literally putting his last bit of energy into doing that and falling to the ground in the process, but it was vital. The subsequent attack started by his pass led to the penalty after Luis Suárez was fouled in the box. Rakitic is a crucial cog in how Barcelona work, and without him they would really struggle. Unfortunately he doesn’t get the praise he deserves, with his performances often being under-appreciated, due to the other quality players in the team, but he perseveres and long may his excellent performances continue.