Valencia 2-0 Barcelona: 3 talking points as Blaugrana suffer first defeat under Quique Setien | La Liga 2019-20

#2 Barcelona all style but very little substance

Valencia CF v FC Barcelona - La Liga

Barcelona finished the game with 867 passes, with 92% accuracy and had 74% possession in the game. It was a clear indication of Setien’s style of play, as the Barcelona manager attempted to implement his possession-based football on the game. However, even though Barcelona controlled the majority of the game, they lacked the cutting edge that was required to see the game through.

In the first half, the Catalans rarely threatened the home side and registered just one shot on target. After they went behind in the second half, Barcelona had a little more urgency in their game but failed to make their possession count. The Catalans registered 14 shots in the game in total and only 5 of them were on target.

With this defeat, Barcelona remain on 43 points after 21 games, still top of the table, albeit temporarily. Their reign at the top, though, could end by the time the weekend is over. Real Madrid play Real Valladolid on Sunday and even a draw would see them leapfrog Barcelona in the LaLiga standings.