Barcelona failed to see out their second successive LaLiga title-winning season with a victory as they were beaten 3-1 by Valencia on Saturday.
Hansi Flick’s side had confirmed their status as champions weeks ago but were looking to finish the campaign just three shy of the 100 point mark.
As it turned out, their hosts were in the mood to spoil the party and the Catalan club had to settle for defeat despite taking the lead mid-way through the second half.
How the action unfolded
Both sides had chances early on, with Marcus Rashford – who was confirmed in England’s World Cup squad this week – firing off-target after five minutes before Hugo Duro headed over from Diego Lopez’s delivery.
Alejandro Balde then went close after being slipped in by Dani Olmo, but the effort flashed wide of the mark.
Flick’s men came even closer to breaking the deadlock just before the break when Robert Lewandowski saw his header crash against the post from Rashford’s delivery.
But the Polish striker would not be denied for too long. On the hour mark, Lewandowski, playing in his final game for Barca, got his name on the scoresheet with a low left-footed finish into the corner.
Momentum shifted almost instantly when a fine Javi Guerra strike and a neat finish from Luis Rioja turned the tie on its head in the space of five minutes.
Guido Rodriguez added a third deep into stoppage time to ensure a memorable win over the champions.
The result, however, would prove to be bittersweet. Results elsewhere meant that Valencia missed out on a European place – instead having to settle for top-half finish only.
You Should Also Read
