By Pete Jenson for MailOnline
Published: 21:56 GMT, 16 February 2019 | Updated: 21:56 GMT, 16 February 2019
View
comments
Barcelona beat Valladolid to extend their lead at the top of La Liga but there will need to be a step-up in form if they are to bring home the Champions League this season.
They are back in European action this week against Lyon and if Lionel Messi’s vow to bring that ‘beautiful’ trophy back to the Camp Nou is to come good then Ernesto Valverde’s side will have to improve on this slightly nervy 1-0 win.
The winning goal came just before half time and it was the usual suspect scoring albeit from a penalty coming from an unusual source.
Lionel Messi points to the heavens after giving Barcelona the lead over Real Valladolid
Messi converted a 43rd-minute penalty to earn victory at the Nou Camp
Gerard Pique was taken down in the penalty area by Real Valladolid midfielder Michel
BARCELONA: Ter Stegen, Alba, Pique, Vermaelen, Roberto, Busquets, Alena (Rakitic 76), Vidal, Dembele (Coutinho 70), Prince-Boateng (Suarez 60), Messi.
Subs not used: Lenglet, Semedo, Malcom, Pena.
Bookings: Messi
Goals: Messi (PEN - 43)
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
REAL VALLADOLID: Masip, Olivas, Fernandez, Calero, Martinez, Anuar, Michel, Antonito, Verde (Villa 68), Unal (Plaza 76), Guardiola.
Subs not used: Cop, Keko, Moyano, Fernandez.
Bookings: Anuar, Unal, Michel
Goals:
Manager: Sergio
Barcelona had broken forward and it was Gerard Pique who found himself inside the Valladolid
