Talking points from Valencia 1-1 Barcelona

Time for technology in La Liga

The main talking point of the match was obviously the officials missing Lionel Messi’s goal.

It was a really poor decision from the officials, the ball was so clearly over the line, it didn’t even really need a replay. Defender Jordi Alba said he could tell it was over from “the middle of the pitch.”

However, had goal-line technology been available, Barcelona would have gone 1-0 up and then who knows?

The technology is already used in the Premier League and has proven to be a success while VAR is used in Germany, Italy and Portugal.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has said VAR will come in next season and it’s long overdue.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Suarez concerns continue

Luis Suarez had a rest over the international break and his two goals against Leganes eased some of the concerns over his form.

However, he had another performance to forget against Valencia and he just does not look right at the moment.

The striker was frequently, frustratingly, offside and never really troubled Neto.

After Paco Alcacer’s good form recently, it was a bit of a surprise we didn’t see him at all, but he should feature in the Copa del Rey in midweek.

Alcacer scored against Murcia in the first leg and more goals on Wednesday might see calls for him to start ahead of Suarez against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Photo by Fotopress/Getty Images

It’s been a good week for Barcelona

Barcelona faced a tough week with away games against Leganes, Juventus and Valencia and have finished up still unbeaten, four points clear of at the top of La Liga and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League as group winners. Not bad going.

The win over Leganes was comfortable enough while Barcelona’s draw with Juventus may have been uninspiring but it was a case of getting the job done at a tough venue.

Sunday’s game against Valencia was by far the team’s toughest test and Barcelona put in a superb first-half display and should have gone in ahead.

The second half was a different story as Valencia showed why they will be title challengers this season and went ahead after Rodrigo scored.

However, yet again, Ernesto Valvderde’s side showed just how tough they are to beat and managed to come up with a goal when it was needed.

Messi’s ball through to Jordi Alba was sublime and the full-back managed to find the finish it deserved.

Wins for Real Madrid and Atletico mean the two teams are now eight points back, but Barca remain in pole position with over a third of the season gone.