An early corner spelled trouble at the Mestalla for a newly reinvigorated FC Barcelona, as centre half Ezequiel Garay followed in at the far post to put the hosts into an unlikely early lead in the La Liga contest.
Following great attacking play from hosts Valencia, an in-swinging corner from the left-hand side was handled poorly by the Barcelona backline.
Defender Gerard Pique's woes deepened here, as the centre half, under considerable pressure at the front post from Michy Batshuayi, could only flick the ball through the entirety of the 'Blaugrana' back line; to the back post, where Ezequiel Garay was waiting to smash home from close range to give the hosts a shock lead with the first significant attacking action of the game.
October 7, 2018
Valencia coach Marcelino will be hoping that this goal gives his side the added impetus to secure a result against Barcelona; a team the manager has yet to defeat since he began coaching in La Liga in 2006-2007 season with Recreativo Huelva.
Visitors Barcelona would have been hoping for a good start to the game themselves, following their resurgence in midweek at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur, however it seems as though for the time being, the Catalan club are set to continue their wretched recent run of domestic form.