Luis Suarez header gives Barcelona Copa del Rey advantage

Luis Suarez's thumping header gave Barcelona a slender 1-0 lead to protect in their Copa del Rey semi-final against Valencia ahead of next week’s second leg at the Mestalla.

Suarez was set up by Lionel Messi who weaved down the left and eventually dinked a cross towards the back post where the Uruguayan was waiting. That proved to be the difference between the two sides come full time, with Barca edging what was largely a lethargic contest.

Barca endured a nervy moment at the end as Santi Mina got in behind the defence. Fortunately for the home side Jasper Cillessen was out quickly to snuff out the danger, although the Dutchman could have easily got his sliding tackle wrong.

The second leg will be played next Thursday at the Mestalla, with Barcelona looking to make the final of the Copa del Rey for the eighth time in the past 10 seasons. The Catalans are also targeting a fourth straight Copa triumph.

Is width still an issue for Barcelona? Neymar gave Barcelona an extra dimension. The Brazilian stretched the pitch for the Catalans, creating more space for his team-mates in the centre. Now he’s gone, Barca sometimes struggle for width, and that was certainly the case in the first half of this Copa del Rey semi final. It was only when Philippe Coutinho was brought off the bench that the hosts started to drift into the wide areas, pushing and pulling the Valencia defensive line out of position.

Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona) Given the money that has been paid for Virgil Van Dijk and Aymeric Laporte over the past month, the signing of Samuel Umtiti for just €25 million now looks to be a bargain of gigantic proportions. Umtiti didn't have to do much against a toothless Valencia frontline, but what he did have to do he did well. This was a demonstration of the centre back’s class and quality.

Barcelona - Cillessen 5, Vidal 4, Pique 5, Umtiti 7, Alba 5, Roberto 6, Busquets 5, Iniesta 5, Rakitic 5, Suarez 6, Messi 7. Subs - Alcacer 6, Coutinho 7, Paulinho 5.

Valencia - Jaume 6, Gaya 5, Vezo 6, Paulista 6, Montoya 5, Pereira 5, Coquelin 7, Parejo 5, Soler 6, Vietto 5, Rodrigo 5. Subs - Maksimovic 5, Torres, 5, Mina 6.

49’ INTO THE SIDE NETTING! That's the first real sight of goal Messi has had in this game. He created the space for himself, but the angle was tight. He could only find the side netting.

66’ GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Valencia: Finally, we have the breakthrough at the Camp Nou! Messi dribbles to the byline and stages a cross to the back post, where Suarez was waiting to head home a finish to give Barcelona the lead.

76’ JUST OVER! Messi is given another freekick opportunity, and this was his closest one yet. The Argentine got his shot up and over the wall, but the ball flashes just over the crossbar.

89’ CILLESSEN HAD TO GET THERE! Wow! The Barcelona goalkeeper came about 25 yards off his line and almost gets rounded by Mina, but he just about gets a foot on the ball in the slide tackle.

Luis Suarez has now scored 16 goals in his last 16 appearances in all competitions.

Barcelona attempted 438 passes in the first half (79% possession), 324 more than Valencia.