Galvanised Barcelona Host Valencia In La Liga Title Pursuit

A Barcelona side galvanised by a gutsy victory over Real Madrid can take a significant step towards the Spanish title with a win over Valencia on Sunday at Camp Nou. Xavi Hernandez's men earned a 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final, first-leg win over Los Blancos on Thursday, arresting a worrying dip in form before it spiralled out of control. However, still missing Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri, Barca face a real battle against a Valencia fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.

After Manchester United knocked Barca out of the Europa League last week and defeat by Almeria stopped the Catalans from moving 10 points clear at the top of the table, a third consecutive loss was nearly unthinkable.

Barcelona put on a defensive masterclass to frustrate the reigning Spanish and European champions and carve out a narrow lead in the tie -- perhaps more importantly, gaining confidence at a crucial moment of the season.

With few options in the squad for Xavi to rotate with, his first-choice players will have to battle tiredness against a rested Valencia.

Valencia earned their first victory under new coach Ruben Baraja last weekend against high-flying Real Sociedad and sit 18th, one point below safety.

Despite Xavi being keen on Barcelona playing in the club's traditional attacking style, at this stage of the season and with his injury list, victories are crucial -- by any means necessary.

"We were extraordinary defending without the ball," said Xavi after the Clasico win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"Defending is part of the game, that's why the win is very important, it was a tremendous victory. Today we minimised Madrid."

Real had more possession and Xavi said that was not his gameplan.

"They pushed us into our