Lewandowski Scores in Farewell as Barcelona Fall to Valencia 3-1

AAS Editorial Team

Lewandowski Scores in Farewell as Barcelona Fall to Valencia 3-1

Valencia came from behind to beat LaLiga champions Barcelona 3-1 in a dramatic finale to the season at Mestalla.

The hosts scored twice in quick succession after the break, but it proved insufficient for European qualification as rivals results went against them.

First Half

Valencia created early pressure with Hugo Duro, Luis Rioja and Unai Núñez all testing the Barcelona backline before Diego López dragged an effort wide.

Ronald Araújo produced a crucial block to deny López as the hosts continued to dominate proceedings.

Alejandro Balde fired into the side netting for the visitors, who then went close when Robert Lewandowski headed against the upright.

The half ended with Valencia threatening once more as Núñez brought a fine save out of Wojciech Szczesny.

Second Half

The hosts suffered a setback early in the second half when Diego López was forced off with a suspected knee injury.

Barcelona took the lead just after the hour mark. Ferran Torres' volleyed strike was heading wide but Lewandowski diverted it into the net for his 119th goals in four seasons with the club.

Valencia leveled just two minutes later. Javi Guerra collected the ball on the edge of the box, feinted past his marker, and beat Szczesny.

Before Barcelona could recover, the hosts moved ahead. Following neat build-up play, Guerra's effort was blocked but the ball fell to Rioja who fired past Szczesny.

Valencia thought they had a penalty when Marc Bernal brought down Jesús Vázquez, but VAR confirmed the incident occurred outside the box.

Final Score

Guido Rodríguez capped a memorable comeback deep in stoppage time, firing in from outside the area to make it 3-1.

Despite the victory, Valencia missed out on European qualification as Getafe's win over Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano's victory at Alavés kept them out of the spots.

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