La Liga Regular Season - 38

Valencia 3 - 1 FT Barcelona

Estadio de Mestalla

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
87
FT
Sat, May 23
Español
Valencia
3-1
Barcelona
⚡ Intensity 53
⚖️ Balance 75
🏆 Stakes 100
🎲 Upset 60
Valencia stun champions in Mestalla thriller.

Mestalla Magic Punctuates Barcelona's Coronation Party

Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 87/100. An incredible late surge from Valencia disrupted the celebrations, but Barcelona leave Mestalla as undisputed league champions.

The Opening Act

Barcelona arrived at Estadio de Mestalla with the title already secured, fully prepared to parade their domestic dominance. The visitors entirely monopolised the ball right from the kickoff, commanding a staggering 76% possession as they methodically pinned the hosts deep into their own half. Despite the overwhelming territorial control, the Stakes felt unusually relaxed for the newly crowned champions. Still, Ronald Araújo anchored the backline with an outstanding early display. The commanding defender snuffed out multiple counter-attacks and maintained his usual formidable standard against the hosts' fast breaks. Valencia, meanwhile, absorbed the pressure patiently. They constructed a resilient low block, perfectly content to weather the passing sequences while waiting for their moment to spring the trap against the high defensive line.

The Pivot

The match exploded into life just past the hour mark, triggering a wild spike in the Intensity rating as both teams finally traded decisive blows. R. Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, finishing cleanly after a sharp build-up sequence involving F. Torres. However, the visitors' lead lasted a mere five minutes in the chaotic environment. J. Guerra sparked a miraculous turnaround, levelling the score with a clinical strike before L. Rioja added another in the 71st minute. This rapid ten-minute swing completely shifted the Balance of the contest. Valencia’s direct, counter-attacking barrage effectively overwhelmed a suddenly fragile title-winning defence, turning the stadium into a cauldron of noise.

Resolution

With the visitors desperately pouring forward in the dying minutes to salvage a draw, Valencia ruthlessly delivered the final blow deep into stoppage time. G. Rodriguez fired home in the 97th minute, sealing a remarkable 3-1 victory that sent the Mestalla crowd into absolute raptures. The massive Upset Factor of the day undoubtedly belongs to the hosts, who managed to unleash a staggering 19 shots with barely a quarter of the possession. Yet, when the final whistle blew, the true story remained Barcelona's season-long brilliance. A singular, chaotic defeat on the final day could not diminish their status as thoroughly deserving league champions.

Key Questions

What made Ronald Araújo the Man of the Match?

Despite the defeat, Araújo anchored the defence expertly, neutralizing numerous early threats and showcasing defensive brilliance to earn an 8.7 rating.

How did Valencia complete the comeback from behind?

After conceding in the 61st minute, Valencia ruthlessly countered, scoring through Guerra and Rioja within ten minutes before Rodriguez sealed it late.

What does this mean for Valencia's season?

This emphatic victory over the champions secures a strong mid-table finish, ending their campaign on a massive high note at Mestalla.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
24%
76%
Valencia 24%
Barcelona 76%
Shots
19
11
Valencia 19
Barcelona 11
Shots on Target
6
4
Valencia 6
Barcelona 4
Expected Goals (xG)
1.48
1.36
Valencia 1.48
Barcelona 1.36
Passes
200
668
Valencia 200
Barcelona 668
Pass Accuracy
74%
90%
Valencia 74%
Barcelona 90%
Corners
7
8
Valencia 7
Barcelona 8
Fouls
11
8
Valencia 11
Barcelona 8
Yellow Cards
2
2
Valencia 2
Barcelona 2
Red Cards
0
0
Valencia 0
Barcelona 0

Match Events

HT
R. Araujo X. Espart 🔄 46'
52' 🔄 D. Lopez L. Ramazani
R. Lewandowski (F. Torres) 61'
E. Garcia A. Christensen 🔄 62'
D. Olmo F. de Jong 🔄 62'
63' 🟨 C. Tarrega
65' 🟨 U. Nunez
66' J. Guerra
A. Christensen 🟨 70'
71' L. Rioja
M. Bernal 🟨 79'
80' 🔄 H. Duro U. Sadiq
80' 🔄 J. Vazquez T. Rendall
M. Bernal M. Casado 🔄 83'
F. Torres J. Cancelo 🔄 83'
90'+6 🔄 J. Guerra A. Almeida
90'+7 G. Rodriguez
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Valencia

Goalkeepers
Stole Dimitrievski
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
97
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Unai Núñez
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
4
Shots
4
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
César Tárrega
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Pepelu
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
97
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jesús Vázquez
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
12%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
Luis Rioja
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Filip Ugrinić
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
97
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Guido Rodríguez
CLUTCH HERO
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.9
Rating
Diego López
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Forwards
Javier Guerra
SNIPER
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
Hugo Duro
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
10
Late Mins
10
Late Mins
80
Total Mins
80
Entry
BENCH
Julen Agirrezabala
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Thierry Correia
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Rubi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Rubén Iranzo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lucas Núñez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
André Almeida
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Baptiste Santamaria
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Largie Ramazani
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
Started
Entry
David Otorbi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Umar Sadiq
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Dani Raba
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Arnaut Danjuma
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Barcelona

Goalkeepers
Wojciech Szczęsny
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
97
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Eric García
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
62
Total Mins
62
Entry
Ronald Araújo
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
100%
Duel Win %
Gerard Martín
MAGNET
MAGNET
108
Activity
108
Activity
101
Passes
7
Duels
Alejandro Balde
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Midfielders
Marc Bernal
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
7
Late Mins
7
Late Mins
83
Total Mins
83
Entry
Pablo Gavi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
97
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ferran Torres
DRIBBLER
DRIBBLER
3
Dribbles
3
Dribbles
3
Attempts
100%
Success %
Dani Olmo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
62
Total Mins
62
Entry
Marcus Rashford
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
30%
Pass Acc
Forwards
Robert Lewandowski
SNIPER
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
BENCH
Joan García
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Diego Kochen
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Xavi Espart
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Andreas Christensen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
35
Total Mins
Started
Entry
João Cancelo
DRIBBLER
DRIBBLER
3
Dribbles
3
Dribbles
3
Attempts
100%
Success %
Pau Cubarsí
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Álvaro Cortés
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Frenkie de Jong
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
35
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Marc Casadó
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
14
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Pedri
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tomás Marqués
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Roony Bardghji
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
09/14/2025 Barcelona 6 - 0 Valencia La Liga Estadi Johan Cruyff
02/06/2025 Valencia 0 - 5 Barcelona Copa del Rey Estadio de Mestalla
01/26/2025 Barcelona 7 - 1 Valencia La Liga Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
08/17/2024 Valencia 1 - 2 Barcelona La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
04/29/2024 Barcelona 4 - 2 Valencia La Liga Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
12/16/2023 Valencia 1 - 1 Barcelona La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
03/05/2023 Barcelona 1 - 0 Valencia La Liga Spotify Camp Nou
10/29/2022 Valencia 0 - 1 Barcelona La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
02/20/2022 Valencia 1 - 4 Barcelona La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
10/17/2021 Barcelona 3 - 1 Valencia La Liga Camp Nou
09/14/2025
La Liga Estadi Johan Cruyff
02/06/2025
Copa del Rey Estadio de Mestalla
01/26/2025
La Liga Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
08/17/2024
La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
04/29/2024
La Liga Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
12/16/2023
La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
03/05/2023
La Liga Spotify Camp Nou
10/29/2022
La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
02/20/2022
La Liga Estadio de Mestalla
10/17/2021
La Liga Camp Nou
Valencia Win
Barcelona Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Barcelona 38 94 95 36 +59 LValencia 3 - 1 Barcelona (23-05-2026)WBarcelona 3 - 1 Real Betis (17-05-2026)LAlaves 1 - 0 Barcelona (13-05-2026)WBarcelona 2 - 0 Real Madrid (10-05-2026)WOsasuna 1 - 2 Barcelona (02-05-2026)
2 Real Madrid 38 86 77 35 +42 WReal Madrid 4 - 2 Athletic Club (23-05-2026)WSevilla 0 - 1 Real Madrid (17-05-2026)WReal Madrid 2 - 0 Oviedo (14-05-2026)LBarcelona 2 - 0 Real Madrid (10-05-2026)WEspanyol 0 - 2 Real Madrid (03-05-2026)
3 Villarreal 38 72 72 46 +26 WVillarreal 5 - 1 Atletico Madrid (24-05-2026)LRayo Vallecano 2 - 0 Villarreal (17-05-2026)LVillarreal 2 - 3 Sevilla (13-05-2026)DMallorca 1 - 1 Villarreal (10-05-2026)WVillarreal 5 - 1 Levante (02-05-2026)
4 Atletico Madrid 38 69 62 44 +18 LVillarreal 5 - 1 Atletico Madrid (24-05-2026)WAtletico Madrid 1 - 0 Girona (17-05-2026)WOsasuna 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid (12-05-2026)LAtletico Madrid 0 - 1 Celta Vigo (09-05-2026)WValencia 0 - 2 Atletico Madrid (02-05-2026)
5 Real Betis 38 60 59 48 +11 WReal Betis 2 - 1 Levante (23-05-2026)LBarcelona 3 - 1 Real Betis (17-05-2026)WReal Betis 2 - 1 Elche (12-05-2026)DReal Sociedad 2 - 2 Real Betis (09-05-2026)WReal Betis 3 - 0 Oviedo (03-05-2026)
6 Celta Vigo 38 54 53 48 +5 WCelta Vigo 1 - 0 Sevilla (23-05-2026)DAthletic Club 1 - 1 Celta Vigo (17-05-2026)LCelta Vigo 2 - 3 Levante (12-05-2026)WAtletico Madrid 0 - 1 Celta Vigo (09-05-2026)WCelta Vigo 3 - 1 Elche (03-05-2026)
7 Getafe 38 51 32 38 -6 WGetafe 1 - 0 Osasuna (23-05-2026)LElche 1 - 0 Getafe (17-05-2026)WGetafe 3 - 1 Mallorca (13-05-2026)DOviedo 0 - 0 Getafe (10-05-2026)LGetafe 0 - 2 Rayo Vallecano (03-05-2026)
8 Rayo Vallecano 38 50 41 44 -3 WAlaves 1 - 2 Rayo Vallecano (23-05-2026)WRayo Vallecano 2 - 0 Villarreal (17-05-2026)DValencia 1 - 1 Rayo Vallecano (14-05-2026)DRayo Vallecano 1 - 1 Girona (11-05-2026)WGetafe 0 - 2 Rayo Vallecano (03-05-2026)
9 Valencia 38 49 46 55 -9 WValencia 3 - 1 Barcelona (23-05-2026)WReal Sociedad 3 - 4 Valencia (17-05-2026)DValencia 1 - 1 Rayo Vallecano (14-05-2026)WAthletic Club 0 - 1 Valencia (10-05-2026)LValencia 0 - 2 Atletico Madrid (02-05-2026)
10 Real Sociedad 38 46 59 61 -2 DEspanyol 1 - 1 Real Sociedad (23-05-2026)LReal Sociedad 3 - 4 Valencia (17-05-2026)DGirona 1 - 1 Real Sociedad (14-05-2026)DReal Sociedad 2 - 2 Real Betis (09-05-2026)LSevilla 1 - 0 Real Sociedad (04-05-2026)
11 Espanyol 38 46 43 55 -12 DEspanyol 1 - 1 Real Sociedad (23-05-2026)WOsasuna 1 - 2 Espanyol (17-05-2026)WEspanyol 2 - 0 Athletic Club (13-05-2026)LSevilla 2 - 1 Espanyol (09-05-2026)LEspanyol 0 - 2 Real Madrid (03-05-2026)
12 Athletic Club 38 45 43 58 -15 LReal Madrid 4 - 2 Athletic Club (23-05-2026)DAthletic Club 1 - 1 Celta Vigo (17-05-2026)LEspanyol 2 - 0 Athletic Club (13-05-2026)LAthletic Club 0 - 1 Valencia (10-05-2026)WAlaves 2 - 4 Athletic Club (02-05-2026)
13 Elche 38 43 49 57 -8 DGirona 1 - 1 Elche (23-05-2026)WElche 1 - 0 Getafe (17-05-2026)LReal Betis 2 - 1 Elche (12-05-2026)DElche 1 - 1 Alaves (09-05-2026)LCelta Vigo 3 - 1 Elche (03-05-2026)
14 Alaves 38 43 44 56 -12 LAlaves 1 - 2 Rayo Vallecano (23-05-2026)WOviedo 0 - 1 Alaves (17-05-2026)WAlaves 1 - 0 Barcelona (13-05-2026)DElche 1 - 1 Alaves (09-05-2026)LAlaves 2 - 4 Athletic Club (02-05-2026)
15 Sevilla 38 43 46 60 -14 LCelta Vigo 1 - 0 Sevilla (23-05-2026)LSevilla 0 - 1 Real Madrid (17-05-2026)WVillarreal 2 - 3 Sevilla (13-05-2026)WSevilla 2 - 1 Espanyol (09-05-2026)WSevilla 1 - 0 Real Sociedad (04-05-2026)
16 Osasuna 38 42 44 50 -6 LGetafe 1 - 0 Osasuna (23-05-2026)LOsasuna 1 - 2 Espanyol (17-05-2026)LOsasuna 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid (12-05-2026)LLevante 3 - 2 Osasuna (08-05-2026)LOsasuna 1 - 2 Barcelona (02-05-2026)
17 Mallorca 38 42 47 57 -10 WMallorca 3 - 0 Oviedo (23-05-2026)LLevante 2 - 0 Mallorca (17-05-2026)LGetafe 3 - 1 Mallorca (13-05-2026)DMallorca 1 - 1 Villarreal (10-05-2026)WGirona 0 - 1 Mallorca (01-05-2026)
18 Levante 38 42 47 61 -14 LReal Betis 2 - 1 Levante (23-05-2026)WLevante 2 - 0 Mallorca (17-05-2026)WCelta Vigo 2 - 3 Levante (12-05-2026)WLevante 3 - 2 Osasuna (08-05-2026)LVillarreal 5 - 1 Levante (02-05-2026)
19 Girona 38 41 39 55 -16 DGirona 1 - 1 Elche (23-05-2026)LAtletico Madrid 1 - 0 Girona (17-05-2026)DGirona 1 - 1 Real Sociedad (14-05-2026)DRayo Vallecano 1 - 1 Girona (11-05-2026)LGirona 0 - 1 Mallorca (01-05-2026)
20 Oviedo 38 29 26 60 -34 LMallorca 3 - 0 Oviedo (23-05-2026)LOviedo 0 - 1 Alaves (17-05-2026)LReal Madrid 2 - 0 Oviedo (14-05-2026)DOviedo 0 - 0 Getafe (10-05-2026)LReal Betis 3 - 0 Oviedo (03-05-2026)