German Bundesliga
German Bundesliga

Hoffenheim are hanging on a bit now as Bayern move through the gear. Fantastic goalkeeping from Oliver Baumann to keep out Thiago and then Thomas Muller.

Andy West
Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Highly entertaining first half which really should have contained more than one goal - and nearly all the chances have been Valencia's. They have been the better team despite trailing, but Barca are capable of scoring in the blink of an eye. Cracking second half lined up."

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In fact we barely get a minute - referee Jose Luis Gonzalez has seen enough. Barca's men disappear down the Nou Camp tunnel with a 1-0 lead in their back pocket.

Just the one minute of stoppage time to be played as Barcelona aim to enter the break with a slender lead.

Andy West
Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"One of the things Valencia are doing very well to stop Barca from building possession is staying tight to the full-backs, Adriano and Dani Alves. They would usually see a lot of the ball and act as the springboard for attacks but Valencia's wingers aren't allowing that to happen today.

"And just as I'm writing that, Alves loses possession under heavy pressure inside his own half and Alcacer blasts wide. Then Barca attack and Messi - yes Lionel Messi - hits it wide from ten yards. Great game!"

Image source, Getty Images

Here's a collector's item - Lionel Messi misses a sitter. Those in the Nou Camp will be telling their grandkids about this one.

The Argentina superstar proves he is human after all, dragging a right-footed shot wide after collecting Xavi's flick.

Andy West
Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"So unlucky for Paco Alcacer, whose shot hits the post as Bravo was left rooted to his spot. Valencia are extremely unfortunate to be trailing - just that one lapse in the opening minute when they gave Messi to exploit, which is never a good idea."

Image source, Getty Images

Valencia blow another chance to equalise! Striker Paco Alcacer finds a bit of space in the Barcelona box and his shot beats home keeper Claudio Bravo. However, it does not beat the post...

German Bundesliga
German Bundesliga

Robert Lewandowski goes close to doubling Bayern's lead but Hoffenheim defender Andreas Beck with a telling touch to deflect the curler on to the bar.

Things have becomes a little niggly with referee Jose Luis Gonzalez deciding to dish out a couple of yellow cards. Barca left-back Adriano is the first man to go into the notebook for tripping Valencia's ex-Liverpool defender Antonio Barragan, and is followed by away man Javi Fuego after he hauls down Neymar.

Andy West
Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"The game has just settled down in the last few minutes, which very much suits Barcelona. It will be tough for Valencia to maintain the high tempo they've shown in the first half-hour, and Barca will now try to put their foot on the ball, make Valencia chase around and gradually work more openings."

Spanish La Liga

While Valencia have threatened from set-pieces, it is Barcelona's turn to go close from a dead-ball situation. Xavi, who made his Barca debut against Valencia all those years ago, swings in the ball towards Gerard Pique, whose header sails over the frame of the away goal.

Andy West
Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Valencia are very good from set-pieces and they've looked dangerous with every delivery into the box so far. Nicolas Otamendi to head home a goal today - you heard it here first."

Spanish La Liga

Image source, @ValenciaCF/Twitter

Here's the view from the press box as a member of Valencia's official radio station shares his view on Twitter. Not bad work if you can get it. That big orange thing is a microphone by the way...

On the pitch, Valencia are making a fist of this, pushing Barca back but yet to create another golden chance.

Andy West
Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Sensational pass from Lionel Messi to Luis Suarez, who tried to return the favour but just over-hit it. If we didn't know Messi as one of the greatest goalscorers of all-time, we'd know him as one of the best passers ever. Often gets overlooked by everything else he does."

Spanish La Liga

But back come Barca. Lionel Messi threads through to Luis Suarez, who miscues as he attempts to pass back to his team-mate.

Spanish La Liga

Valencia are not out of this match - mark my words. Los Che, who are fourth in La Liga remember, have responded well since falling behind to Luis Suarez's rapid opener. The visitors look capable of picking apart the Barca defence, illustrated perfectly as Nicolas Otamendi climbs highest to meet Dani Parejo's cross - only to see his header drift past the Barca post and out for a goal kick.

As it stands, Bundesliga leaders Bayern are 13 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg, who play Schalke 04 on Sunday. Before today Pep's Guardiloa's side needed three more wins to wrap up the title.

Image source, Getty Images

It's half-time at Hoffenheim, where Bayern lead thanks to Sebastian Rode's fine finish. The Bayern supporters certainly appear to be enjoying themselves.

Andy West
Spanish football writer at the Nou Camp

"Deafening whistles from the fans as Dani Parejo took that penalty and great celebrations when Claudio Bravo saved it. The crowd are certainly getting into the game as Luis Enrique urged them to."