Barcelona held off a remarkable comeback from Valencia to make it three wins out of three in a thrilling game at the Mestalla on Sunday night, winning 3-2.
With the Spanish football world’s attention captivated by confirmation of Gareth Bale’s world record move to Real Madrid, Lionel Messi took the opportunity to remind the watching world that he’s still the main man with a stunning first-half hat-trick, seemingly sending the Blaugrana on their way towards a comfortable victory.
But Portuguese striker Helder Postiga scored twice within the space of two minutes shortly before the interval to set up a fascinating second period, only for Barca to regain their composure in the second period and hold on for the points.
Barca were on top from the opening whistle and had a Neymar goal wrongly disallowed for offside shortly before Messi broke the deadlock. Cesc Fabregas, as he so often is, was the provider, sliding a pass through the middle for the Argentine to run on, round Diego Alves and convert despite strong pressure from home defender Ricardo Costa.
Neymar, Andres Iniesta and Fabregas all went close as the visitors continued to dominate and they soon moved further ahead when Sergio Busquets robbed Ever Banega of possession in midfield and found Fabregas, who promptly helped the ball onto Messi for the Argentine to score with a rare right-footed effort.
And two minutes later the little maestro completed his treble at the end of a sweet passing move, which culminated with Neymar delivering the final pass from the left wing for Messi to easily slot home with a first-time left footed strike.
At that stage the game looked dead and buried as Barca played with calm assurance and Valencia’s heads understandably dropped, but on the stroke of half-time Postiga sparked an unlikely comeback with a sensational overhead volley from Joao Pereira’s right-wing cross, leaving Victor Valdes with no chance.
Postiga then added another goal in added time, once again exposing Barca’s weakness from set-pieces by rising high at the near post to glance home an Banega corner, immediately after Valdes had produced a sensational save to keep out the Argentine midfielder’s fierce long-range strike.
The second half was a less open, tense and closely fought affair, with Messi going close to extending his team’s advantage with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Diego Alves.
Pedro should have added his team’s fourth to wrap things up but somehow managed to send a golden headed opportunity wide after running onto a cross from Iniesta.
Valencia were still competitive, though, and they had a strong handball appeal turned down when Javi Fuego’s goalbound shot appeared to hit Fabregas on the arm.
Remarkably, Messi squandered three golden opportunities to provide a two-goal cushion inside the final 10 minutes, shooting wide from 10 yards and then having two low shots smothered by the outstanding Alves.
And Barca nearly paid the price when Jonas’ shot from 20 yards was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Valdes.
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