Sergio Busquets revealed Barcelona would have considered a draw with Valencia to be ‘worthless’ after he netted the late winning goal.
The midfielder netted the all-elusive goal in the dying seconds of the Catalans’1-0 victory at Mestalla, and he praised his teammates for refusing to settle for a draw and show the endurance needed to secure all three points.
"We knew Valencia would be difficult opponents. This year they've been very good, with enthusiasm, a new Coach and new players," he mused to reporters after the match.
"We were lucky enough to score in the last minute, and the three points have given us extra joy and enthusiasm.
"To us, a draw is worthless. We tried until the end and our goal came from a corner. We were attacking for the minutes prior to that.
"I dropped dead after Alves' save and I gave everything.
"Football is difficult. Valencia had chances as well as us, although we perhaps controlled the game more.
"We played the double pivot [Busquets and Mascherano] because we knew they'd play on the counterattack, but the game is always the same for us.
"We wanted to have possession and create chances. I play where the Coach tells me to."
