Messi rises to meet Jordi Alba’s cross with a header from the centre of the box, but his effort drifts just wide to the right. It’s a dangerous aerial chance that narrowly escapes the far post.

Moments later Messi again threatens with a header from the centre of the box after a Luis Suárez delivery, sending the ball just over the bar. Valencia’s defence is caught as Messi repeatedly finds space in the area.

From outside the box Messi unleashes a low left-footed drive after being set up by Paulinho, forcing Neto into a save down to his bottom left corner. It’s a powerful effort that keeps Valencia’s keeper alert.

Immediately after, Messi again tests Neto with a left-footed shot from distance, this time straight at the keeper after a layoff from Luis Suárez. The strike is on target but lacks the angle to beat the goalkeeper.

Messi cuts in and fires a curling left-footed shot from outside the box after receiving the ball from Sergio Busquets, narrowly missing the top right corner. The attempt has placement and bend but sails just high.

Messi threads another clever ball into the box for Andrés Iniesta, whose left-footed shot from close range is saved low to the right by Neto. Messi’s passing again unlocks Valencia’s back line, but the keeper stands firm.

Late in the second half Messi drives another left-footed shot from outside the box after being found by Luis Suárez, sending it just wide to the left. Valencia’s defence backs off, allowing Messi space to threaten yet again.