A tight first half between Valencia and Barcelona has ended goalless at the Mestalla.

Valencia were positive in their approach to the game early on, but it was Barcelona who created the first clear opportunity when Neymar picked out Luis Suarez, whose effort was tipped past the post by Diego Alves.

The hosts threatened moments later when Alvaro Negredo collected the ball in space before hitting a shot straight into the arms of Claudio Bravo.

Barcelona started to dominate possession midway through the first half, but the visitors found it difficult to break down a stubborn home defence.

Andre Gomes came agonisingly close to handing Valencia the lead 10 minutes before the interval with a curling effort which drifted just past the post.