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August 18, 2024

Valencia 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski Shines in Hansi Flick’s Debut – La Liga

In an electrifying encounter at Mestalla, Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Valencia 2-1 in Hansi Flick’s first match as head coach. Valencia took the lead in the 27th minute with a powerful header from Hugo Duro, reflecting their dominance in the first half. 

However, Barcelona turned the tide just before the break when Lamine Yamal set up Robert Lewandowski, who finished clinically to equalize. The second half saw Barcelona more composed. Lewandowski netted again from the penalty spot after Raphinha was fouled, sealing the win for the Catalan side.

Flick’s decision to field a youthful lineup, including three 17-year-olds—Yamal, Marc Bernal, and Pau Cubarsi—highlighted his trust in emerging talent despite salary cap restrictions that sidelined new signings like Dani Olmo. While Valencia controlled much of the match, Barcelona’s experience and tactical adjustments shone through as the game progressed. The victory boosts team morale and sets a positive tone for their La Liga campaign, with Lewandowski’s performance offering hope for an exciting season ahead.

Talking Point – Old Reliable Keeps Young Barça Moving Forward

A prolific goalscorer can mask many flaws for a manager, and Robert Lewandowski proved this once again. Despite Barcelona’s off-field turmoil, which saw them start five players under 21, the Polish striker’s CEven during a down year last season, where he fell just short of 20 league goals for the ninth consecutive year, his precise finishing—particularly from the penalty spot—secured vital points for the team. 

Hansi Flick, who coached Lewandowski at Bayern Munich, understands the significance of his contributions. While the potential additions of Dani Olmo and possibly Nico Williams promise to enhance the squad, much will hinge on whether the 35-year-old striker can return to his goal-a-game form. Based on this performance, he seems poised to do just that.

Player of the Match – Raphinha (Barcelona)

There wasn’t a standout performer in this match, as Barcelona’s victory came through a collective effort. However, Raphinha consistently posed a threat, even when the team struggled in the first half. He created several scoring opportunities, nearly found the net himself with a powerful strike, and played a crucial role in winning the penalty that secured the win.

Player Ratings

Valencia: Mamardashvili 7; Correia 7, Mosquera 7, Gasiorowski 6, Vazquez 7; Pepelu 7, Javi Guerra 6, Diego Lopez 7; Andre Almeida 6, Rafa Mir 6, Hugo Duro 6. Subs: Gomez 6, Doulquier 6, Otorbi 6, Tejon 6, Guillamon 6.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 7; Kounde 6, Cubarsi 6, Inigo Martinez 6, Balde 7; Casado 7, Bernal 6; Raphinha 7*, Yamal 7, Ferran Torres 6; Lewandowski 7. Subs: Martin 6, Christensen 6, Pedri 7, Garcia 6, Victor 7.

Match Highlights

20′ GREAT STOP FROM MARMARDASHVILI! Raphinia cut in from the right and fired in an effort from nearly 30 yards out, heading for the top corner, but the Georgian stopper pushed the effort to safety at full stretch.

44’GOAL! VALENCIA (DURO) 1-0 BARCELONA Vazquez drove into Barcelona territory before playing wide to Lopez, whose cross was headed back over and across ter Stegen from the back post by Duro. The linesman’s flag went up, but the replays showed he was onside.

45+8’GOAL! VALENCIA 1-1 BARCELONA (LEWANDOWSKI) Balde crosses to the back post. Yamal turns the ball back along the six-yard box, and Lewandowski taps home.

47’PENALTY FOR BARCELONA! A clumsy challenge from Mosquera, who did not see Raphinia nip before him, took the ball, and then took the brunt of the attempted clearance.

49’GOAL! BARCELONA (LEWANDOWSKI) 2-1 VALENCIA The Polish striker nets his second goal, placing the ball into Marmardashvili’s top left-hand corner.

56’VALENCIA FURIOUS CUBARSI DOESN’T GET SECOND YELLOW He pulled back Duro, who, along with the fans and his manager, who receives a card himself, is angry that the Barca man is still on the pitch.

57’TORRES LOOKED OFFSIDE… But he was allowed to run through and shoot and was denied by an excellent low stop from Marmardashvili.

70’LEWANDOWSKI NOT FAR FROM A HAT TRICK! He spun and turned in the box after a square ball from Casado, but Mosquera just got a touch to his shot, and it squirmed wide.

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