Barcelona 1-0 Real Valladolid: Lionel Messi scores one of two penalties as Ernesto Valverde's men move seven points clear at La Liga summit Barca boss Valverde made five changes to the team that drew at Athletic Bilbao Messi converted a penalty on 43 minutes after Gerard Pique was fouled The Ballon d'Or winner missed a second penalty with six minutes remaining Barca moved seven points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of La LigaBy Pete Jenson for MailOnline Published: 21:56 GMT, 16 February 2019 | Updated: 21:56 GMT, 16 February 2019 Viewcomments 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 MATCH FACTS 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 penalty area. When he was wrestled clumsily to the ground by midfielder Michel. Referee Juan Martinez pointed to the spot and Messi, who had had an unusually poor first 45 minutes giving the ball away with uncommon frequency, found the corner past Jordi Masip. Barcelona had rested Luis Suarez and with Kevin Prince Boateng operating as centre-forward they had struggled to break down Valladolid’s stubborn back five. But now they had their lead and crucially just before half-time to break Valladolid’s spirit. Still they struggled at the restart and Suarez came on for Prince Boateng but he would end up being the worst culprit as their wastefulness in front of goal led to the close final score. Barcelona also missed a second penalty. Philippe Coutinho climbed off the bench and his quick feet in the area drew a foul from Kiko Olivas. Messi stepped up again but this time Jordi Masip – a former Barcelona B-team keeper dived the right way to make the save. The Argentine saw his second penalty saved by Valladolid keeper Jordi Masip The Ballon d'Or winner connected with ther rebound but also saw his headed effort saved Masip was excellent throughout and made several fine saves from Suarez and another from Messi. Valladolid’s chances were few and far between but Daniele Verde did draw a fine save from Marc Andre Ter Stegen. Some of Barcelona’s shooting was too high and wide to trouble Masip. Boateng sent one shot into the stands to groans from around the Camp Nou. Real Valladolid players appeal after referee Juan Martinez Munuera awards the first penalty And Coutinho also tried one of his trademark right foot curlers coming in off the left but instead of finishing with a postage-stamp shot into the top corner, he blasted into the supporters behind Masip’s goal. All crisis are relative, and talk that Barcelona are in any sort of trouble have been rightly laughed off this week. They came into this game off the back of three draws – two in the league against Valencia and Athletic Bilbao, and one in the cup against Real Madrid. But they are still top and in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League This 1-0 puts and end to that run of failing to pick up a victory. But it will not silence the whispers that certain things still need to click into place for this to end up being a great season and not just a good one. Messi attempts to dribble through the Real Valladolid defence in pursuit of a second goal Barca boss Ernesto Valverde watches his team move seven points clear at the top of La Liga Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility