Barcelona went a goal down to Valencia in the first half of the Copa del Rey semifinal last night. Valencia’s lead over the tired looking Catalans didn’t last though; according to AFP:
Barcelona were back on level terms eight minutes later as the talismanic Puyol leapt highest at the back post to head into the net and give his side what could be an invaluable away goal for next week’s second leg.
It was all the more creditable as coach Pep Guardiola had to do without a quintet of first choice players because of injury including Pedro Rodriguez and Andres Iniesta.
Barça are looking a little frayed at the moment and with Messi missing a penalty, they need to step up their game. Proably the Spanish League is now out of reach, as in recent years only Valencia has come back from a seven point deficit. It will require Real Madrid’s ambitions to be massively derailed if that were to happen this year with Barça.
