LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona got back to winning ways after edging past Valencia at the Camp Nou on Sunday evening.
LaLiga
Result: Barcelona 1-0 Valencia
Date: 05 March 2023
Venue: Camp Nou
Blaugrana coach Xavi Hernandez recalled Andreas Christensen in defence, while Sergi Roberto and Ansu Fati came in for Franck Kessie and the suspended Gavi.
The home side found the breakthrough in the 15th minute when Sergio Busquets' ball over the top found Raphinha, who nodded past the on-rushing Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Valencia, meanwhile, were struggling to get on the ball in the first half and they nearly conceded a second goal on 32 minutes but Mamardashvili produced a fine save to keep out Ferran Torres' low strike.
The visitors did carve out their first chance two minutes later when Jesus Vazquez's cross found an un-marked Thierry Correia in the box, but the defender headed wide of the upright.
Xavi's charges continued to dominate in the remainder of the first half, but they were unable to add to their tally, with Fati going wide with a close-range header in the latter stages.
Barcelona were awarded a penalty ten minutes into the second half, as Christensen's shot hit the arm of Hugo Guillamón. Torres took responsibility but saw his strike hit the upright.
Things turned a bit sour for the home side four minutes later when Ronald Araujo was given a straight red card for bringing down Hugo Duro, who was through on goal.
Valencia coach Voro responded with a double change for the final 15 minutes as Justin Kluivert and Yunus Musah replaced Samuel Lino and André Almeida.
The visitors had a chance to pull level in second-half stoppage time when Eric Garcia's clearance fell to Duro, who ballooned his effort over the target as Barcelona held on for the win.
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