The second half began with Barcelona intent on asserting their dominance, immediately launching a series of intricate attacking moves that had the Mestalla crowd on edge.
In the 47th minute, Barcelona's midfield took control. Frenkie de Jong picked up the ball in their half of the circle and drove forward, shrugging off pressure from Javi Guerra.
Spotting Lewandowski making a run, De Jong played a perfectly weighted pass between the Valencia center-backs.
Lewandowski controlled the ball deftly, turned sharply, and fired a low shot toward the bottom corner but Giorgi Mamardashvili reacted brilliantly, diving to his right to parry the shot away.
The ball ricocheted toward Lamine Yamal, who looked set to pounce, but José Gayà lunged in with a last-ditch tackle from behind, sending the ball out for a corner.
Juan Hernan: "What a save by Mamardashvili! Lewandowski was inches away from doubling Barcelona's lead."
