Suara.com – 10 Barcelona players won a narrow and vital 1-0 victory over their guest, Valencia in Week 24 of the 2022/2023 Spanish League at the Camp Nou Stadium on Sunday night (5/3/2023) WIB.
The only goal of the match was scored by Raphinha in the first half. Meanwhile, Barca had to play with 10 people after Ronald Araujo got a direct red card.
This victory makes Barcelona firmly at the top of the standings with 62 points, 10 points ahead of Real Madrid in second place who will face Real Betis on Monday morning WIB.
Meanwhile, Valencia remains in the relegation zone or ranks 19th with a score of 23 points from 24. They have the same points as Sevilla in 17th place or one place above the relegation zone.
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Barcelona managed to open the scoring when the game has been running for 15 minutes. Sergio Busquet keenly watched Raphinha’s movements and released a cross in the back which the Brazilian striker finished with a header to make the score 1-0.
The home team threatened in the 23rd minute. Alejandro stabbed down the left flank and crossed the ball into the middle which Raphinha received before curling in a shot. However, the direction of the ball was wide of Valencia’s goal.
Valencia tried to reply in the 34th minute. Jesus Vazquez crossed from the left and was headed in by Thierry Correia. Despite standing free, Correia failed to direct the ball into the goal.
The visitors almost equalized in the 39th minute. Starting from Ferran’s mistake giving the ball to goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Ter Stegen failed to pass the ball to Jules Kounde. Samuel Lino controlled the ball, but his shot went high over the goal.
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There were no additional goals until the first half ended. Barcelona still winning 1-0.
After the break, Barcelona got a golden opportunity to add to the advantage after being awarded a penalty in the 53rd minute because a Valencia player committed a handball in the forbidden box.
Ferran Torres stepped up as the kicker but his shot to the left just hit the post before going off. Score remains 1-0.
Shortly after, Ansu Fati’s kick on the right side hit the goal post.
After these two opportunities, Barcelona actually had to play with ten men after Ronald Araujo received a direct red card for trying to stop Hugo Duro’s movement.
Valencia had asked for a penalty kick in the 85th minute after Kessie was judged to have brought down Perez in the penalty box. However, the referee deemed there was no violation.
Despite playing with 10 players, Barcelona was able to create opportunities several times. Meanwhile, Valencia had difficulty breaking through the home team’s defense meeting.
Barcelona managed to maintain their 1-0 advantage until the match ended.
Line Up:
Barcelona (4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde; Sergi Roberto (Eric Garcia 81′), Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong (Kessie 46′); Raphinha (Alarcon 87′), Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati (Alonso 61′)
Valencia (4-5-1): Giorgi Mamardashvili; Thierry Correia (Castillejo 62′), Eray Comert (Diakhaby 55′), Cenk Ozkacar (55′), Jesus Vazquez; Dimitri Foulquier, Hugo Guillaume, Ilaix Moriba (Fran Perez 62′); Andre Almeida (Musah 78′), Hugo Duro, Samuel Lino (Kluivert 78′)
