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Joao Felix grabbed an important goal, but Barcelona were lacking in attack once again, dropping points in La Liga's title race. This was, at times, a wasteful Barca performance, with usual star man Robert Lewandowski failing to fire, and the reigning champions had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
The Blaugrana worked their way into promising positions throughout, but did little when they got there. The chief culprit was misfiring striker Lewandowski, whose loose touches in the box cost his side several chances. Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili did his part, though, making tidy saves in the first half to deny first Pedri and then Lewandowski.
Barca's opening goal was a silky thing, a swift move that started with a trivela pass from Frenkie de Jong 35 yards from goal, and two touches later, was in the back of the net off Felix's foot. But Valencia offered a response, Hugo Guillamon curling the ball into the top corner from outside the box following some loose defending.
The Blaugrana had a series of chances late on to find a winner. Ferran Torres fired right at the keeper and Raphinha worked an angle but saw his shot denied with a goal line clearance as ultimately, the Valencia back-five held on.
Unfavourable results elsewhere could see Xavi's men fall nine points off the top by Monday evening. The manager could be in trouble.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Mestalla...
