Barcelona secured a morale-boosting 2-1 victory against Valencia in their LaLiga opener, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice, helping new manager Hansi Flick to a winning start. Despite being on the back foot in the first half, Barcelona showed resilience to turn the game around at the Mestalla, one of the toughest venues in Spain.
Valencia began the match strongly, taking the lead just before half-time through Hugo Duro’s header from a superb Diego López cross. Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm early on, with Valencia dominating possession and creating several dangerous opportunities. Hugo Duro came close to doubling Valencia’s lead, but a crucial block by young defender Pau Cubarsi kept Barcelona in the game.
In added time of the first half, Barcelona managed to equalise when Lamine Yamal’s cross found Lewandowski, who finished clinically to restore parity. This goal shifted the momentum in Barcelona’s favour as they entered the break.
After the restart, Barcelona looked more determined and quickly took the lead. Raphinha won a penalty after being fouled in the box, and Lewandowski stepped up to calmly convert his second goal of the night. Despite a late push from Valencia, Barcelona held on to their advantage, securing a hard-fought victory.
Flick’s debut as Barcelona manager will be remembered for his bold team selection, which included three youngsters – Cubarsi, Bernal, and Lamine Yamal – and a departure from the traditional 4-3-3 formation, opting instead for a 4-2-3-1 setup. The young players faced early pressure from Valencia, but as the game progressed, Barcelona found their footing.
Valencia, despite a promising start, were unable to capitalise on their early lead and struggled to regain control after conceding the penalty. With key players potentially leaving before the transfer window closes, Valencia’s rebuilding process continues, but this defeat will be a tough pill to swallow.
For Barcelona, the victory offers a positive start to the season, suggesting that improvement on last year’s performance is within reach, especially with Lewandowski’s striking prowess leading the charge. However, the club’s financial struggles remain a concern, with last-minute signings and reliance on youth indicating deeper issues that need to be addressed.