Valladolid take down Barcelona

Real Valladolid defeated FC Barcelona thanks to a goal from Fausto Rossi in their game on the 27th Liga BBVA matchday.

The match at the José Zorrilla started with intensity and pace. It was Valladolid who had the first real chance through Javi Guerra who, alone in front of Víctor Valdés, was unable to hit the target. The response was immediate and with a fierce strike Lionel Messi put Diego Mariño’s reflexes to the test. The Castilians, motivated by the need for points to escape the relegation zone, rushed to the attack and, after a shot from Javi Guerra, Fausto Rossi got on the end of a Valdés block to score the only goal of the match. 

In the second half Barcelona had several chances to draw level, but a good performance from Mariño and a lack of accuracy from the azulgranas prevented the goal. Gerardo Martíno’s side failed to make the most of their dominance on the field, while Juan Ignacio Martínez’s men looked to extend their lead on the counter-attack. The final minutes were gripping, but the home team were able to keep their nerve and claim a crucial victory for their fight for survival. For Barcelona, on the other hand, defeat opens the gap with the Liga BBVA leaders.