Robert Lewandowski’s goal was not enough as FC Barcelona fell to a 3-1 defeat against Valencia. Lewandowski’s strike proved a mere consolation as Valencia secured the victory. The match saw Valencia’s players aiming to boost their chances of qualifying for European competitions.
Lewandowski’s Farewell Goal
Robert Lewandowski bid farewell to FC Barcelona. The Poland captain was in the starting eleven. Valencia entered the match with slim hopes of qualifying for European competitions. However, their fate was not entirely in their own hands.
In the 61st minute, Barcelona took the lead. Ferran Torres struck a volley from the edge of the penalty area, miskicking the ball into Lewandowski’s path, who then found the net. The lead was short-lived.
Valencia’s Comeback
Valencia responded swiftly. Espart Guerra scored with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Shortly after conceding, Xavi Esparta Guerra nearly made amends, but his shot from inside the penalty area went just over the bar.
Valencia then took the lead in the 71st minute. Luis Rioja found space in the penalty area to shoot, leaving Szczęsny with no chance. Valencia added a third goal in added time, with Guido Rodriguez scoring from around 16 metres.
Chances at Both Ends
Wojciech Szczęsny was kept busy in the Barcelona goal. Diego Lopez threatened in the 6th minute. Later, a Valencia defender blocked an opponent’s shot from twelve metres. Hugo Duro’s header went just over the bar.
Barcelona responded in the 21st minute. Alejandro Balde shot from a tight angle, hitting the side netting. Just before half-time, Lewandowski headed against the post from a corner. In the 85th minute, Andreas Christensen’s close-range shot was saved by the keeper. Christensen then had another header saved in added time.
A penalty was initially awarded to Valencia in the 76th minute after Marc Bernal fouled Jesus Vazquez. The decision was overturned by VAR, with a free-kick awarded instead.
Valencia secured the three points.