Barcelona's Javier Mascherano: Valencia Copa del Rey tie is in our hands

The Argentine midfielder was quite satisfied with the Blaugranas' performance, and feels they have everything in their own hands, despite drawing the game at Mestalla

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano feels that Wednesday's 1-1 away draw against Valencia in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final was a good result going into the second leg of the tie.

Jonas gifted Valencia the lead in the 27th minute before Carles Puyol restored parity shortly after. Lionel Messi then missed a spot kick after the break, but Mascherano still feels that Barcelona have everything in their own hands.

"It’s a good result but it could have been better seeing how the game played out. We played against a great rival and we had good chances. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in," Mascherano was quoted as saying on the Barcelona website.

"The important thing is that we played a good match and we created scoring chances. The tie is in our hands and that’s the most important thing. It depends exclusively on us."

Mascherano then discussed the Catalans' relatively disappointing run of form, and stressed that they will have to keep on working hard in order to get back to their best.

"I don’t like to talk about good luck or bad luck. A lot of teams go through these phases. We have to keep working and give the best of ourselves. That's the best way to change things."

Barcelona's next match is the league game at home versus Real Sociedad at the weekend.