Barcelona Demolish Valencia 6-0 as Fermin, Raphinha, and Lewandowski Lead Goal Fest
Barcelona returned to their dominant form with a commanding 6–0 victory over Valencia in their opening home fixture of the campaign.
Due to various injuries and a disciplinary choice to exclude Raphinha from the starting lineup for arriving late to a pre-match training session, Hansi Flick fielded an improvised starting eleven at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Sunday night.
With Ferran Torres and new signings Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji spearheading the attack, Barcelona began the match with energy, displaying smooth attacking play and pressuring Valencia's backline from the outset. Nevertheless, Julen Agirrezabala prevented the Catalan side from finding the breakthrough.
Ultimately, Barça's persistence was rewarded. Pau Cubarsí delivered an excellent through ball that Ferran Torres expertly played with one touch for the advancing Fermín López, who entered the penalty area unchallenged and slotted home Barcelona's first goal after 29 minutes of play.
The Catalans maintained their superiority but failed to extend their advantage before the interval. Barcelona's momentum couldn't be stopped much longer, as Marcus Rashford recorded his inaugural assist in Barcelona colors by delivering a precise cross that Raphinha—who entered for the second period—converted at the back post following a significant defensive miscommunication from Valencia.
Just two minutes following Raphinha's strike, Fermín completed his double with a thunderous long-range effort that beat Julen Agirrezabala. Barcelona needed only 10 minutes of the second half to seal the victory.
Valencia's downfall persisted, as another defensive error while attempting to clear the ball presented Raphinha with a simple half-volley opportunity to complete his own brace in the 66th minute. Ten minutes afterward, Dani Olmo provided Robert Lewandowski with a setup for a powerful shot to register Barça's fifth goal.
With the outcome already secured, perhaps the most enthusiastic reaction of the evening occurred when La Masia prospect Marc Bernal made his return to action more than a year following his ACL injury. Five minutes after Bernal's comeback, he provided an assist for Lewandowski who sealed Barça's third double of the match, adding the perfect finishing touch to an exceptional display.
The Catalans will now approach their Champions League opener on Thursday evening against Newcastle United with renewed confidence.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs. Valencia (4-2-3-1)
*Ratings Provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Joan García | 7.6 |
RB: Jules Koundé | 7.7 |
CB: Eric García | 7.5 |
CB: Pau Cubarsí | 8 |
LB: Gerard Martín | 8 |
CM: Marc Casadó | 8.1 |
CM: Pedri | 8.5 |
RW: Roony Bardghji | 6.7 |
AM: Fermín López | 9.2 |
LW: Marcus Rashford | 7.7 |
ST: Ferran Torres | 8 |
SUB: Raphinha (46' for Bardghji) | 8.6 |
SUB: Dani Olmo (68' for Rashford) | 7.3 |
SUB: Robert Lewandowski (68' for Torres) | 8.5 |
SUB: Jofre Torrents (75' for Martín) | 6 |
SUB: Marc Bernal (81' for Pedri) | N/A |
Subs not used: Wojciech Szczęsny (GK), Diego Kochen (GK), Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araújo, Antonio Fernández
Player of the Match: Fermín López (Barcelona)
Valencia (5-4-1): Julen Agirrezabala; Dimitri Foulquier, César Tárrega, Mouctar Diakhaby, José Copete, José Gayà; Diego López, Javier Guerra, Baptiste Santamaria, Arnaut Danjuma
Subs: Largie Ramazani, Filip Ugrinić, Luis Rioja, Thierry Correira, Lucas Beltrán