Sergio Busquets scores dramatic stoppage time winner for Barcelona against Valencia

Sergio Busquets scored a dramatic stoppage time winner to snatch a 1-0 win for Barcelona over Valencia, closing the gap at the top of La Liga to just two points.

The home side had looked set to claim a point against the Catalans, but Busquets found a winner with the final kick of the match to secure Barca all three points from what was a compelling tussle.

Claudio Bravo was required to make a number of astonishing saves to keep Valencia at bay, as Alvaro Negredo and Rodrigo spurned a series of opportunities in front of goal.

Neymar was perhaps fortunate to remain on the pitch after a soft headbutt on Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi, although the centre-back certainly exaggerated the contact made with the Brazilian.

14’ - ALVES SAVE: Big save from Alves! Messi takes control of a ball over the top of the Valencia defence, with it eventually falling to Suarez, who forces an astonishing save from the home side's goalkeeper.

35’ - GOMES STRIKE: That wasn't far away! Gomes takes control of a clearance 30 yards out before angling a shot towards Bravo's bottom right corner, but the effort flashes just past the post. Not far away at all.

58’ - SUAREZ MISS: What an opportunity for Suarez! The striker makes something out of nothing to beat the keeper to a loose ball, but he somehow manages to find the side netting with the target gaping.

60’ - GOALLINE CLEARANCE: Off the line! Rodrigo retrieves a corner kick at the back post before firing at goal from a tight angle, but Pique is on hand to save a certain goal. Great effort from the Valencia forward.

71’ - BRAVO STOP: Big chance, big save! All of a sudden Valencia have three players surging forward, with Negredo playing the ball to his right for Feghouli to strike, but Bravo makes the save. What a chance!

78’ - BRAVO SAVE: Big save from Bravo! Negredo loses his marker at the back post and fires off a left footed shot from 16 yards, but his effort on the spin is saved on the stretch by Bravo. What a stop.

93’ - GOAL! Valencia 0 Barcelona 1: They have the win! With literally the last kick of the game Busquets slams it home after an incredible save from Alves!

Valencia have scored just one goal in the final 15 minutes this season, a league-low.

Javier Mascherano attempted 62 passes in the 1st half at the Mestalla, 44 more than any Valencia player (Gomes 18).

Barcelona have won more away games against Valencia than they have against any other opponent.

Sergio Busquets cannot play in the midfield as Javier Mascherano - Luis Enrique showed plenty of respect to opponents Valencia by playing two defensive midfielders in the centre of the pitch, in an attempt to stem the home side’s creativity. But the balance of his side was lost with the selection of Busquets and Mascherano alongside each other, handicapping their own invention through the middle. It didn’t work.

Claudio Bravo, (Barca) -The Chilean goalkeeper played just as big a part in Barcelona’s win over Valencia as goalscorer Sergio Busquets, because without Bravo the Catalans would have been two or three behind by stoppage time. Saves from Alvaro Negredo and Sofiane Feghouli were the highlight of his generally impressive performance.

Valencia – Ales 5, Gaya 6, Otamendi 6, Mustafi 6, Barragan 6, Gomes 6, Fuego 6, Parejo 7, Rodrigo 7, Feghouli 6, Negredo 7. Subs – De Paul 5, Alcacer, Augusto.

Barcelona – Bravo 8, Alba 6, Mathieu 5, Pique 6, Alves 6, Xavi 6, Mascherano 5, Busquets 7, Neymar 7, Messi 5, Suarez 6. Subs – Rakitic 5, Pedro, Rafinha.