Robert Lewandowski marked his Barcelona exit with a goal. It was not enough to prevent a defeat.
Valencia came from behind to win 3-1 at Mestalla on the final day, striking twice in five second-half minutes to overtake Barcelona despite already being out of the European qualification places.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
The Poland striker turned Ferran Torres' cross into the net just after the hour mark—his 119th goal in four seasons with the club. It proved to be a consolation.
Quick turnaround
Javi Guerra levelled within five minutes, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and ghosting past Wojciech Szczesny with a neat finish. Valencia were ahead four minutes later when Guido Rodríguez's through ball released Jesús Vázquez, whose shot was blocked but fell to Luis Rioja to drive in.
Barcelona had their moments. Alejandro Balde struck the side netting. Lewandowski headed against the upright before halftime. But the visitors never looked like overturning the deficit.
European hopes end
Guidance Rodríguez added a third in stoppage time with a strike from distance, capping a victorious send-off for manager Carlos Corberán in his final home game.
It still was not enough. Getafe's win over Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano's victory at Alavers ensured Valencia finished seventh—one point adrift of the Europa League spots. The club had done their part; elsewhere, the math did not work out.