The first 10 minutes didn't go well for Barcelona in their La Liga match against Valencia at Camp Nou, but the degree to which they dominated the following 35 minutes was staggering. Los Che got on the board with a surprising counter-attack goal in the early going, but Barcelona recovered brilliantly, and go into halftime leading Valencia 2-1.
Barcelona Vs. Valencia, 2012 La Liga: Halftime Score, Blaugranas Recover From Early Hiccup
They could easily have more than two goals, if it weren't for Diego Alves and the woodwork. Barcelona have forced three big saves out of the Valencia keeper and have hit the crossbar on one occasion. On both occasions where Barcelona found the back of the net, it was Lionel Messi who applied the finish.
Valencia's opener came through Pablo Piatt, assisted by Sofiane Feghouli. On the counter, Feghouli hit a great cross into the center of the box that Piatti ran onto, cutting in from the left. Martin Montoya and Carles Puyol failed to track him as he found space to get onto the cross, then placed it into the back of the net to give his team the lead.
That didn’t seem to do much good for Valencia, and only made Barcelona determined to score, as opposed to the patient possession they often begin games with. Messi scored Barca’s first in the 22nd minute on a cross by Pedro, then added the second in the 27th minute on a rebound after Diego Alves saved his initial shot.
Alves made saves on Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez in the couple of minutes following the second goal, while Cesc Fabregas hit the crossbar with an audacious overhead kick. Barcelona could easily have four or five goals, and their supporters will hope that they don't end up regretting those missed chances.
For more on the Blaugranas, head over to FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.
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