LaLiga 2018-19, Barcelona 2-2 Valencia: 3 Things we learned from the match

#1 Valencia maintained their defensive shape, but could not stop Messi

It seems that Messi is single-handedly carrying Barca this season

Valencia played with a 4-4-2 formation that became 4-4-1-1 as soon as they lost possession, and maintained their defensive shape almost throughout the match.

It is very difficult to do so against a team like Barca, who keep playing short and probing passes inside the opposition half. Moreover, Messi keeps falling back to the middle third to confuse the opposition defenders and thereby creates space for his teammates.

However, the Valencia defence performed creditably against the much-vaunted Barca attack and their goalkeeper also made some very good saves.

However, all their efforts were not good enough to stop Messi, who scored yet another brace to rescue his team.

Messi has now scored 29 goals in 27 matches this season and is carrying Barca almost single-handedly.

However, other Barca forwards like Luis Suarez and Philipe Coutinho would have to step up their game against stronger opponents like Real Madrid, who are going to face Barca thrice in the next month.