- Barcelona defeated Real Valladolid 1-0 at Nou Camp with Lionel Messi scoring a penalty spot before the interval and missing another later
- Valladolid came into the contest with only two win in their last 42 La Liga away ties against Barcelona
- The result has now seen Barcelona go 7 points clear at the top of La Liga log
Barcelona vs Real Valladolid: Barcelona defeated Real Valladolid 1-0 at Nou Camp on Saturday, February 16, to go seven points clear at the summit of the La Liga log.
Going into the encounter Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde dropped some stars players ahead of their Champions League date against Lyon.
The likes of Luis Suárez and Ivan Rakitić were missing in action but Lionel Messi’s penalty goal was able to hand 5he home-side a narrow victory.
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Messi had the first opportunity to score late in the first stanza but his effort was blocked by defenders.
In the 43rd minute Messi netted from the spot to put Barcelona in the driving seat.
Television clips showed that Gerard Piqué dived in the vital area after a through ball from Messi but the ref opted to do without the VAR by pointing to the penalty spot.
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The Argentine playmaker was spot on as he netted his 22nd goal of the 2018-19 La Liga campaign.
No other goal was scored going into the break.
In the second stanza, Jordi Masip was on hand again to deny Messi another goal off a volley shot, even as the Barcelona captain failed to convert a glorious opportunity in the 52nd minute to extend their lead.
Kevin-Prince Boateng also joined in missing a begging chance to increase the advantage.
Luis Suárez replaced Boateng later and joined the missing party with his first chance after failing to convert a rebound.
In the 85th minute Coutinho earned Barcelona was fouled but Masip was in hand to save from a header.
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At the end of the encounter Barcelona claimed all match point but Messi and teammates were not at their best after failing to bury numerous chances that came their way.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde explained that he wants Ivan Rakitic to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp.
There have been reports that Manchester United and Chelsea are planning to sign Ivan Rakitic this summer from Barcelona. Reigning Spanish champions Barcelona are currently rebuilding their squad with young players and reports also suggested that PSG star Adrien Rabiot will be on his way to the club at the end of the season.
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