Valencia CF beaten by late Lewandowski goal

Valencia CF fell to a 0-1 defeat against FC Barcelona at Mestalla on LaLiga Matchday 12, as a late Robert Lewandowski strike for the visitors denied them a share of the points. The match featured controversy with a disallowed goal for Samuel Lino and intense action throughout the 90 minutes.

Gennaro Gattuso's men started with determination in front of the more than 46,000 fans in attendance, who had paid tribute to club legend David Villa before kickoff. The turnout was the largest at the stadium in four years.

Early on, Lino had a first approach on goal after a recovery by Cavani, with his effort stopped by Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen. Moments later, Barça would reply with a similar move at the other end, kept out by Mamardashvili.

As the minutes went by, the away team felt more comfortable, trying to take the initiative and dominate possession. Mamardashvili managed to save the clearest chance of the first half for the opposition: A one-on-one with Ansu Fati after Pedri's pass behind the defence.

After a quarter of an hour of play, Valencia CF suffered a major setback. Edinson Cavani was taken off injured and was replaced by Marcos André.

It was after half an hour that the team took a step forward. A good counterattack played by Justin Kluivert on the run almost left Foulquier alone against the goalkeeper.

Just when it seemed that Valencia CF could take the lead, Barcelona's Lewandowski responded with a header that crashed against the post.

Valencia CF would finish the first half by flooding the opposition area and Gabriel Paulista, with a shot from a corner, was just centimeters away from making it 1-0.

Following a goalless first half, Valencia CF appeared to go ahead early in the second period through Lino, but a consultation with VAR led to the goal being disallowed.

The introduction of Samu Castillejo in the final minutes of the match was made in search of a winning goal, as both sides went on the offensive. In the 84th minute, Barça would have a very clear chance, with three players in a position to finish off inside the six yard box, but  Foulquier and Mamardashvili managed to clear the ball away.

Mestalla spurred Valencia CF on to the end, but it was Lewandowski, in added time, who acted as spoiler and decided the match, scoring with no time for a response as the game ended 0-1 to FC Barcelona.

0. VALENCIA CF: Mamardashvili, Thierry R. (Jesús Vázquez, 78'), Gabriel Paulista, Cömert, Gayà, Hugo Guillamón, Foulquier, André Almeida (Lato, 71'), Justin Kluivert (Samu Castillejo, 71'), Samuel Lino and Cavani (Marcos André, 18').

1. FC BARCELONA: Ter Stegen, Balde, Kounde (Piqué, 73'), Eric García (Marcos Alonso, 42'), Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets (Gavi, 56'), De Jong, Pedri, Dembelé (Ferran Torres, 56'), Lewandowski and Ansu Fati (Raphinha, 56').

GOALS: 0-1 Lewandowski, 93'.

REFEREE: De Burgos Bengoetxea (Basque C.). Yellow cards for Eric García, Marcos Alonso, Samuel Lino, Hugo Guillamón, Gavi and Piqué.

VAR: Iglesias Villanueva (C. Gallego).

LaLiga Matchday 12 played at the Mestalla.