Jordi Alba scored late on against his former club to salvage a 1-1 draw for Barcelona in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash against Valencia, but the match was marred by a hugely controversial decision to not allow a first-half Lionel Messi goal.
Messi tried his luck with a first-time effort on the edge of the area after half an hour and goalkeeper Neto fumbled the shot, resulting in the ball crossing the line by about a yard, but referee Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva and his officials failed to spot it, effectively costing Barca two points.
Valencia then took the lead on the hour mark through Rodrigo. The 26-year-old forward turned in a cross from Jose Gaya to fire Los Che ahead.
But, the home fans were silenced in the 82nd minute, though, as a moment of genius from Messi ultimately provided Barca with the catalyst to salvage a result.
The Argentina star spotted the run of Alba into the area and clipped a marvelous pass into the left-back’s path, and he duly provided a classy finish past the helpless Neto.
