In a fiery contest that produced three red cards, Valencia lost 1-0 to Getafe to make it three defeats across their last four La Liga (LL) games (D1). That pulled them down into the crowded mid-table and although there’s no imminent danger of relegation, the nine-point gap to the bottom three could quickly erode if results don’t improve. Manager Rubén Baraja also runs the risk of losing three consecutive league games for the first time in charge of the club, which should only fuel motivation to get back in the win column here.
There’s good news on the horizon though, as the hosts are unbeaten at Estadio de Mestalla in three league games (W2, D1). Valencia kept a clean sheet in each of those matches and a strong defensive showing could once again be crucial against old nemesis Barcelona, who have beaten them in five straight LL H2Hs.
Another success here would see Barcelona create some H2H history as they’ve never previously beaten their hosts in six successive top-flight H2H matches. But they’ll need to improve on recent form to achieve that feat as highlighted by the visitors’ shock 3-2 defeat to Royal Antwerp on Wednesday in the Champions League. Although already qualified, that was a second consecutive competitive defeat for Xavi’s men, having also lost 4-2 to Girona in their last league game – a result which saw them fall seven points behind in the title race.
The inconsistent visitors have also dropped points in three of their last four LL trips (W1, D3). Each of those draws saw them mount a comeback after conceding first, but Xavi wouldn’t want his team to tempt fate and go behind again, especially as that is something they have managed to avoid in three straight LL H2Hs.
Players to watch: A goal from Diego López could signal a stalemate as his last four league goals have all ended in draws for Valencia. Looking to make sure the hosts don’t even claim a point, Robert Lewandowski scored Barcelona’s winner in this fixture last season, and is bidding to net in successive LL games for the first time since matchday six.
Hot stat: A penalty has been awarded in five of the last seven H2Hs.
