Roura praises Valencia after Barca draw

By FOX SPORTS staff

Following Real Madrid's shock loss at Granada on Saturday, Barca had the chance to establish an 18-point lead over the defending champions but found themselves trailing after 33 minutes, when Ever Banega drilled home from 15 yards after Gerard Pique could only head away a Roberto Soldado cross into his path.

The visitors did however equalise five minutes later when Lionel Messi converted from the spot after Pedro had been brought down inside the area by Joao Pereira, but they then had goalkeeper Victor Valdes to thank after he made two fantastic saves to deny Sergio Canales and Soldado to earn them a point.

Admitting that the draw was a fair result, Roura was effusive in his praise of Los Che, who are currently struggling to match last term's top-three finish.

"We came here with the intention of winning the three points but it's always difficult to win at Valencia," he said on the club's official website. "I think the draw, in general terms, is fair.

"Valencia pressure you a lot and they don't let us play. Their intensity made it difficult for us to play our game and it was hard for us to get close to their area."

Tito Vilanova's right-hand man did however dismiss suggestions that fatigue played a key factor, and defended Barca's decision to take on Valencia with a majority of the players that started Wednesday's Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real, which had ended in a 1-1 draw.

"Perhaps we didn't create a lot of chances and we weren't as fresh as we have been in the past," Roura added.

"We knew how difficult this match was going to be and we preferred to go with a block of players that have been playing with regularity. We had four days to prepare and that's sufficient time to recover.

"In addition, we have a long week ahead of us, among other reasons, that's why we decided to field this team."

Roura also praised Valdes, who announced earlier in the season that he would be leaving the Nou Camp when his current contract expires next summer.

"We're very pleased with him," he said. "He's the best keeper for us.

"This Sunday he showed that he's at a fantastic level and he denied Valencia the winning goal. While he's with us, he'll help us."

Barca's former Valencia left-back Jordi Alba enjoyed his return to the Mestalla and felt the result could have gone either way.

"It was a very even match and either side could have won because both teams created chances," the 23-year-old Spain international said. "We were a bit tired because the cup match was very demanding.

"Valencia are very strong since [coach Ernesto] Valverde arrived at the club and I'm sure they will up in the table at the end of the season."

Valverde was pleased to see his sixth-placed team produce a much better display than they managed at home to Madrid on January 20, when they lost 5-0 at home to Jose Mourinho's men.

"The 0-5 was a tough time," he said. "But the team reacted well. We hoped that this would be a different story, and now we are getting there. That result was excessive. This was a different game, and the fans enjoyed it.

"We are pleased with this match. It was not an open encounter in the first half, but it was in the second and both teams looked capable of winning. We played a great game, although we regret not being able to win."

Barca are next in action on Sunday when they entertain Getafe in the league.