BARCELONA have given Real Madrid the opportunity to top LaLiga after the champions slipped up against Valencia.
Barca – who entered the game leading the table on goal difference – were beaten 2-0 by Champions League chasing Valencia.
Barcelona were beaten by Valencia away from homeCredit: Reuters
The Spanish champions were beaten on the road 2-0Credit: Reuters
The hosts were given the lead three minutes after the break as ex-player Jordi Alba put the ball into his own net.
Maxi Gomez profited from a Jose Gaya cross and his effort deflected off full-back Alba before sailing past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
It came as relief for Gomez, who squandered the chance to open the scoring from the spot after 12 minutes with Ter Stegen saving the penalty.
After conceding Barca – who are without hitman Luis Suarez for four months due to a knee injury – came knocking with Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann.
Messi was denied an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining as the Argentine’s free-kick was pushed wide by Jaume Domenech.
As the visitors rolled the dice Valencia made them pay on the counter.
Ferran Torres picked up the ball on the right wing, fed in Gomez and the pacey forward did the rest.
Gomez raced through on goal and showed composure to bend his effort past Sergi Roberto and an outstretched Ter Stegen to double Valencia’s lead.
Barca stars were left head in hands as they failed to even pull one back.
Real now have the chance to capitalise tomorrow as they travel to 15th placed Valladolid, who are without a league win in seven games.
Maxi Gomez celebrates doubling Valencia‘s leadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
