Valencia took a shocking lead early at the Camp Nou, but they only held onto it for 13 minutes. Who else but Lionel Messi has equalized, then given Barcelona a go-ahead goal. Valencia's defending on both goals was poor, and the team appears to be in the process of falling apart.
Barcelona Vs. Valencia, 2012 La Liga: Lionel Messi Scores Twice; Miguel Injured
Pedro provided the assist on the first goal with a low cross, beating Miguel to put the ball into the box at the near post. Adil Rami attempted to clear, but lost his footing and inadvertently nudged the ball right to the feet of Messi. He placed the ball into the back of the net at a narrow angle for his 24th goal of the season in La Liga.
To add injury to insult, Miguel picked up an injury while trying to prevent Pedro's cross and was carted off the pitch. He has been replaced by Ricardo Costa.
Messi struck again in the 27th minute for his 25th goal of the La Liga campaign, giving Barcelona a 2-1 lead. Diego Alves made a save on his initial attempt, but Messi put the rebound into the roof of the net. In the two minutes following the goal, Alves has had to make two more miraculous saves. The Valencia midfield and defense have disappeared, and Barcelona has turned this into a shooting gallery.
For more on the Blaugranas, head over to FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.
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