After Real Madrid's victory over the lawn of Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona's response was expected. THE Blaugranas were opposed this Sunday evening in Valencia as part of this 4th day of Liga. And above all, during their first home meeting of the season. Not at the Montjuic stadium as in the last two seasons, but at the Estadi Johan Cruyff and its 6000 spectators. Deprived of Lamine Yamal, Hansi Flick has chosen to do without his Captain Raphinha, who arrived late for training. Roony Bardhgji, who arrived this summer from Copenhagen, was preferred to accompany Ferran Torres and Rashford in front. On the Valence side, Mouctar Diakaby, Baptiste Santamaria and Arnaut Danjuma were lined up in the departure XI.
Unsurprisingly, the Catalans had the hand on the ball and waited for the end of the half hour of play to hit the bull's eye. After a powerful pass of Cubarsi, Ferran Torres deviates the ball in first intention for Fermin, left side. The Spanish international then perfectly opened his right foot to beat Julen Agirrezabala (29th, 1-0). Never endangered by the Valenciens, Barça went back to the locker room with a short advantage, but the impression that it could not happen to him this Sunday evening.
Three doubles for Barça against Valence
In the second half, Raphinha appeared on the ground and reminded everyone why he was so essential in this team. Seven minutes after entering the game, the captain of Blaugranas was at the reception of a Rashford center to make the break (53rd, 2-0). The Catalan roller-compressor did not stop there since Firmin offered himself a double, following a powerful strike from the left (56th, 3-0). A few minutes later, Raphinha answered him by taking up a volley, a ball badly cleared by Gaya (4-0, 66th).
The goal festival did not stop there. Entered during the match, Robert Lewandowski also participated in the party by scoring his 102nd goal for his 150th match under the colors of Barcelona (76th, 5-0). And like Firmin and Raphinha, the 37-year-old Polish had fun scoring a second goal, following a pass from Bernal and an excellent Ballon Pique to beat Actonrerezabala (87th, 6-0). A great way to conclude this offensive recital in the face of a totally outdated Valencia team. With this success, Barça – second – returns two points from Real Madrid in the Liga ranking. Hansi Flick and his men can now focus on the trip to St-James' Park to face Newcastle, this Thursday, on the first day of the Champions League. With two defeats in four league games, Valence is 15th.
