Valverde proud of Barca’s response

BARCELONA coach Ernesto Valverde praised his side’s temperament to bounce back from being denied a clear opening goal scored by Lionel Messi and falling behind to salvage a 1-1 draw at Valencia on Sunday.

A point maintains Barca’s fourpoint lead over Valencia at the top of La Liga, but the Catalans were forced to do it the hard way after Messi’s 30th minute strike that slipped through Valencia ‘keeper Neto’s legs was somehow not seen to have crossed the line by the officials.

Unlike in Europe’s other top leagues, La Liga has so far refused to introduce goal line technology due to cost concerns.

“Messi’s goal was very clear,” said Valverde. “The important thing is to not let the tension of the game overcome you and we didn’t lose our concentration against a very strong opponent.”

“It was a good game, a little marred by one controversial mo- ment.”

“We know the potential Valencia have at home and although we don’t go away completely satisfied, we managed to take something positive from the game.”

After a first-half performance well below the form they have shown so far this season, Valencia improved markedly after half-time and went in front when Rodrigo tapped home from close range.

However, Barca responded to protect their unbeaten record in La Liga this season when Messi’s splendid pass was volleyed home by former Valencia left-back Jordi Alba eight minutes from time.

“It was a monumental error by the referee,” blasted Alba to Movistar.

“Even I could see it was in from the middle of the pitch. We saw the replay at halftime and it’s clear.”

La Liga intends to introduce video assistant refereeing (VAR) for controversial decisions next season. – AFP