BARCELONA (AFP) – Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said his team “gave away two points” to Valencia in a tense 1-1 draw yesterday in La Liga.
The champions moved third, a point clear of Atletico Madrid, but trail Real Madrid by four and surprise leaders Girona by six, having played one game more than all three sides.
Atletico fell 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao earlier on Saturday but the Catalans could not take full advantage in an entertaining clash on the east coast.
Joao Felix sent Barcelona ahead in the second half after a slick team move, but Hugo Guillamon’s fine strike pegged them back.
“We have to be much stronger in the opponent’s box, the chances are so clear (and) we didn’t win the game,” Xavi told Movistar.
“I think we gave away two points, because the team had a very good game… we take away a point that leaves us very unsatisfied.”
Barcelona have won just one of their last four league matches, including being ripped apart by a rampant Girona last weekend at home.
They were further shaken by a midweek Champions League defeat by Belgian side Royal Antwerp, which created further questions over Xavi’s management even though the Catalans were already through to the last 16.
As in Barca’s defeat by Girona, the game flowed from end-to-end. Both goalkeepers were called into action before Felix sent Barca ahead early in the second half.
Frenkie de Jong played in Raphinha with a delightful pass and the Brazilian teed the ball up for the Portuguese forward to tap home.
Guillamon equalised in the 70th minute after Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo allowed a ball to bounce instead of clearing his lines. The Spain midfielder found the top corner from the edge of the box to put Ruben Baraja’s team level.
The draw takes Valencia 10th, with Baraja’s side significantly more solid than last season when they battled relegation.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao powered to a convincing 2-0 victory over a flat Atletico Madrid on Saturday in La Liga to close the gap on the top four.
Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Williams struck second-half goals to deservedly secure the points for Los Leones, who dominated at a jubilant San Mames.
