Barcelona wins a tight match against Valencia

It wasn't an easy duel. Although dominant, Barcelona struggled to secure a victory in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Valencia. But Lionel Messi worked his magic, Luis Suarez didn't fail, and Ernesto Valverde's team achieved a tight 1-0 win at Camp Nou.

The intentions of both teams were evident from the start. In less than a minute, the current three-time Copa del Rey champion was already submerged in the area defended by goalkeeper Domenech. And in just two minutes, Lionel Messi - who has scored eight goals this year and has played 598 minutes - tested the effectiveness of his left foot for the first time.

In a penetration from the left, at the 20th minute, Messi and Jordi Alba combined. The full-back reached the bottom and returned the pass to La Pulga, who - forced and without success - attempted a chip shot.

But the dominance didn't translate into goals. Valencia closed ranks and prevented Barcelona from creating dangerous situations: whenever that could happen, their defenders and midfielders were there.

With Valencia retreated, they only responded with an isolated attempt from Argentine forward Luciano Vietto, in the first 15 minutes of the meager first half.

Valencia improved their image in the second half: although not aggressive, they ventured more into Cillessen's area. However, Barcelona still maintained control.

Before 20 minutes had passed, a foul just outside the area appeared as the best opportunity for Messi. However, the Argentinian's shot went straight into the middle and Domenech responded with his fists.

It was a prelude because at 22 minutes Messi broke through on the left edge of the area and sent a cross to Suárez, who dove headfirst and managed to break the deadlock. The Uruguayan showed once again that there are no impossibilities for Barcelona at Camp Nou.

In the end, Messi had another free kick opportunity and Valencia had a solid chance to equalize with a counterattack by Mina, which forced Cillessen to come out of the goal and make a low clearance.

Another Argentine will play for Barcelona

With today's goal, the Rosario-born player and his attacking partner, Uruguayan Suárez, have scored 32 goals (24 from the Argentine) against Valencia.

On Wednesday, Ever Banega, Gabriel Mercado, and Joaquín Correa started for their team, Sevilla, in the 1-1 draw against Leganés, with goalkeeper Nereo Champagne, in the first leg of the semifinals.

The second leg will take place in a week at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium in the Nervión neighborhood of Seville.