Barcelona see Messi goal denied in controversial draw at Valencia
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Barcelona rescued a 1-1 draw at Valencia in a thrilling top-of-the table clash that saw a clear Barca goal not given at the Mestalla on Sunday.
Goals from Rodrigo and Jordi Alba saw the teams share the points, but it was Lionel Messi's disallowed goal after 30 minutes that is sure to have many in Spain bemoaning the lack of video replay.
Valencia have been the surprise contender thus far in the season, having won eight straight league matches ahead of the Blaugrana's high-profile visit.
Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde's side came in with a Spanish-record start under their belt, taking 34 points from their first 12 matches.
Lionel Messi had a goal denied in Sunday's draw vs. Valencia. JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images
Messi returned to the starting XI after beginning Wednesday's Champions League group-stage clash at Juventus on the bench with an eye toward Sunday's match.
And the Argentine thought he'd scored the game's opener in the 30th minute, when his tame effort from outside the box was terribly fumbled by goalkeeper Neto, and TV replays showed the ball bounced over the line before the Brazilian swatted it out of the net.
Barca players implored for a goal to be given, but in the absence of VAR technology, Valencia were allowed to play on despite the Blaugrana protests.
And the error proved costly as an energetic Valencia eventually took the lead on the hour mark.
Jose Gaya found space down the left after a fine overlapping run and fired in a low cross to the near post, where Rodrigo was first to react and punched home from close range.
Chasing the result, Barcelona left themselves open for Valencia's vaunted counter-attack, which created danger for the Blaugrana's back line over the final 30 minutes.
However, Alba evened the score with a well-taken volley minutes from time -- the Spain international stretching to meet Messi's inch-perfect lobbed through ball from outside the area.
Source: espn.co.uk
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