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Argentine sensation Lionel Messi scored his 27th league goal of the season as champions Barcelona defeated Valencia 1-0 at the Mestalla stadium on Wednesday night to move 10 points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the Spanish first division soccer summit.
Messi netted a 76th minute winner as Barcelona continued their unbeaten away run and put Real under extra pressure to win at home to Malaga late last night.
Ballon D’Or winner Messi had missed several chances in the first half but came good 14 minutes from time slotting in a cross from Adriano to clinch a vital win.
It handed coach Pep Guardiola his first ever victory at the Mestalla, which had been the only top-flight venue where he had failed to secure three points.
For third-placed Valencia it was a first league defeat since early December of last year and Villarreal are now just one point behind them in fourth.
It was an emotional first return to the Mestalla for Spanish World Cup star David Villa, who spent five years at the club before joining Barcelona for 40 million euros in the summer, and the forward was given a warm reception from the home fans. Spanish international playmaker Xavi returned to the Barca starting line-up after recovering from his calf injury to join Javier Mascherano and Sergi Busquets in midfield.
Valencia decided to play with Juan Mata, normally a winger, leading the line and the hosts started at a high tempo to try and disrupt Barcelona’s possession game.
Eric Abidal and Dani Alves were both forced to make crucial clearances for Barcelona early on before the champions found their rhythm.
In the ninth minute Messi went clean through on goal but the Argentine fluffed a chance he usually buries on autopilot.
Messi had three chances to score but missed them all with goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, third choice at the beginning of the season, standing tall.
Valencia thought they had scored in the 20th minute but Jordi Alba’s goal was ruled out for offside.Just after the half hour mark Messi squandered another goalscoring opportunity when his lob landed on the roof of the net with only Guaita to beat.
Villa and full back Adriano both went close before the interval but Barcelona went into the break frustrated at the 0-0 scoreline.
Substitute Roberto Soldado volleyed just wide in the 51st minute for Valencia’s best chance of the match and Pablo Hernandez then curled inches wide of the post minutes later to give Barcelona a warning. – AFP.
Online Reporter