Valencia scored twice within five minutes of each other in the second half to overturn Barcelona's lead and secure a 3-1 victory on the season's final day, though the win proved insufficient for European qualification.
Lewandowski marks final Barcelona appearance with goal
Robert Lewandowski struck in his last outing for the club, diverting Ferran Torres' volley past goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski just after the hour mark for his 119th goal in four seasons. The Polish striker's effort briefly gave the champions the advantage in what proved to be his farewell performance.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
Javi Guerra drew Valencia level five minutes later, cleverly feinting on the edge of the box before beating Wojcieth Szczesny. Four minutes after that, the hosts completed the turnaround when Guido Rodríguez's shot was blocked and fell to Luis Rioja, who fired into the net.
Late goal seals victory as European hopes fade
Rodríguez added a third goal in stoppage time, striking from distance to wrap up the points. Valencia's win, however, was rendered meaningless for European qualification purposes as Getafe's victory over Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano's success at Alavés ensured the hosts remained outside the continental places.
The match saw several early chances for Valencia, with Hugo Duro, Rioja and Unai Núñez all testing Barcelona's defense before Diego López fired wide. Ronald Araújo produced a crucial block to deny López late in the first half, while Alejandro Balde struck the side netting at the opposite end.
Lewandowski headed against the upright moments before halftime—an unfortunate precursor given what followed. The first half closed with Núñez forcing a save from Szczesny as the hosts pressed.
Barcelona's defense endured a troubled second half. Diego López was forced off with a knee injury early in the period, weakening the visitors' backline. VAR later denied Valencia a penalty when Marc Bernal's challenge on Jesús Vázquez occurredoutside the penalty area, a decision that kept Barcelona afloat momentarily before Rodríguez's late strike settled the outcome.