Valencia vs. Barcelona: Barca Sleepwalks to Mediocrity

Barcelona entered this match with the chance to prove one of two things. They were either going to show the world that the were uncageable beasts ready to steamroll through the season, or that even they are prone to slumps that leave them vulnerable to have their crown taken. 

They proved today that is it is the latter. Valencia battled Barcelona to a draw. This is not to take anything away from Valencia. They played a wonderful match, and deserve a draw.

At the same time though, I think we all know that if Barcelona is playing at their best that Valencia, or any other team, cannot beat or draw them.

And this outcome make three of the last four matches where Barcelona has been anything but their best.

This is Barcelona's third 2-2 draw in their last four matches. Their first came against Real Sociedad. That was a pitiful effort on Barcelona's part. They followed it up with a better effort, but still not up to Barca standards, with a 2-2 draw to AC Milan.

Barca then seemingly announced that they had had enough of their less-than-stellar play and exploded for an 8-0 victory over Osasuna.

They gave the impression in that match that they were ready to continue in high gear and leave a trail of battered opponents in their wake.

It didn't happen.

Barca was sloppy throughout this match, and it cost them big early. They scored the first goal of this match. The problem was they scored it on themselves when Eric Abidal accidentally put it in his own net.

Two minutes later, Pedro evened the score at one. But that lead was short-lived. Barca was again forced to come from behind when Pablo Hernandez scored for Valencia in the 23rd minute. 

That score held until Cesc Fabregas drew Barca even in the 77th minute, and helped Barca avoid a total disaster.