Lionel Messi’s 500th career goal couldn’t prevent Barcelona’s incredible slump in form from continuing with a fourth defeat in five games. They lost 2-1 at home to Valencia on Sunday.
Barcelona have 76 points along with Atletico, who knocked the holders out of the Champions League in midweek and remain top only due to a superior head-to-head record.
Lionel Messi finally broke his scoring drought to reach his 500th professional goal, but that personal achievement was overshadowed by another poor Barcelona display as they went down 2-1 to Valencia.
Luis Suarez, Messi and Neymar all failed to beat the excelling Diego Alves, though, as the Valencia goalkeeper pulled off a string of fine saves.
An own goal by Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic put Valencia ahead after 27 minutes at the Nou Camp and Santi Mina added a second just before half time to stun the Barcelona supporters.
Lionel Messi scored his 500th career goal to reduce the deficit after 64 minutes but the struggling team could not find an equaliser.
Luis Enrique remained upbeat about his team’s chances of winning the title.
“We’ve got a marvellous challenge, if we win the five games remaining we will be champions,” he told a news conference.
Barcelona have lost three consecutive La Liga games for the first time since January 2003.
Barcelona have lost three consecutive La Liga games for the first time since January 2003.
Title challenge stalling pic.twitter.com/EXjcFe459i
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 17, 2016
Reactions:
#barcelonaVCF fan after the game. Tough times for #barca pic.twitter.com/I3O8LZavOB
— Steven Ishak nabil (@stevoiraq) April 17, 2016
AND WE WON !!! 🎉🎉🎆🎆🎆
BIG CONGRATS 😘
CAN’T THANK GOD ENOUGH 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏#AmuntValencia #barcelonaVCF— Väłěňcìãńïśţã (@ty_swifty) April 17, 2016
So Barcelona has been in poor form since the Panama Papers came out………. #barcelonaVCF
— Soused Bergin (@sousedbergin) April 17, 2016
