Slumping Barcelona loses in Nou Camp

Somewhat over a fortnight in the past, the Catalan big had a 9-level lead and was additionally favourite to defend its Champions League crown, however a sudden lack of type has modified all that.

Valencia’s 2-1 win is an entire reversal of the outcome the final two occasions the aspect’s met within the Nou Camp, Barcelona profitable 7-zero within the Spanish Cup.

It was one among a collection of setbacks which led to the sacking of English coach Gary Neville, however regardless of a current enchancment, few have been anticipating Valencia to supply a lot resistance within the newest assembly.

However after absorbing some intense early strain, it was Ivan Rakitic’s deflected personal aim and a Santi Mina strike simply earlier than halftime that set the customer on its strategy to an unlikely three factors.

Lionel Messi snapped his current objective drought, his first in 5 video games, within the 63rd minute in a flowing transfer.

It was his five hundredth objective for membership and nation and gave Barca renewed hope.

Wonderful possibilities fell to Rakitic and eventually Gerard Piquet, who screwed his late effort large and put his head in his palms.

Barcelona continues to be prime of La Liga, however solely solely aim distinction from Atletico Madrid, which made no mistake earlier Sunday with a three-zero residence win over lowly Granada, with Koke, Fernando Torres and Angel Correa on the right track within the Vicente Calderon.

Arch-rival Actual Madrid can also be solely some extent behind in third place after its 5-1 trouncing of Getafe Saturday, with all three groups having 5 video games to play.

It was Real’s 2-1 victory in El Clasico on April 2, regardless of being lowered to 10 males, which has proved the catalyst for Barca’s sorry run.

A 2-1 first leg victory over Atletico of their Champions League quarterfinal tie was a very good response, however a 1-zero defeat at Actual Sociedad adopted.

A devastating 2- zero defeat within the second leg to Atletico noticed Barcelona’s tenure as European champion ended and now the newest setback.

It’s the first time since 2003 Barcelona has suffered three La Liga defeats in a row, with a midweek recreation towards Deportivo Coruna now taking over added significance with strain mounting.

Defiant coach Luis Enrique stated his workforce would decide itself up after the newest defeat. “We have been the higher workforce, we put in an entire efficiency,” he stated.

“We’ve got to select ourselves up. We’ll face the problem as a Barca participant does, together with his head held excessive.”

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