Valencia 1-2 Barça: Flick starts with win as Lewy scores a brace
A great start to the season for the blaugranes, a hardworking win saw Hansi Flick's side win their first competitive game under his charge. The first LaLiga game of the 2024/25 season saw Barça come back to win 2-1 away at Valencia and open their league account with three points.
Statement of intent by Flick
Hansi Flick's faith in a place in the starting lineup for Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal remained true to his approach to rewarding hard work after both had superb preseasons. 17 year old Bernal was also making his competitive first team debut.
Kick off and the blaugranes looked to get Lamine Yamal one on one with Jesús Vázquez, combining with Raphinha playing in more central attacking role to create overloads. Valencia were always a threat though through Almeida in dead ball situations. A long shot by Raphinha was repelled by Mamardashvili, but clear cut chances were still not coming.
Game opens up before the break
No real sign of goals, but Hugo Duro escaped Iñigo Martínez to finish a Diego López cross (1-0, min. 45). Now in added time, Yarek and Cubarsí both proved crucial. Yarek stopped Casadó from equalising on the goal line, while Cubarsi also stopped a Hugo Duro shot in similar fashion.
Another chance seemed to be coming, and it was the last of the half, Lewandowski to the rescue. A striker's goal, sniffing out where Lamine Yamal's cross-shot might fall to finish and go in on equal terms at half time (1-1, min. 45+5).
Lewy completes brace after penalty on Raphinha
The second half couldn't have started better for the blaugranes, Raphinha outfoxing Mosquera to see a penalty awarded that Lewandowski finished for his brace (1-2, min. 49). The Flick-Lewandowski connection seems to be in full flow, tonight's tally adding to their time at Bayern, the striker now having scored 85 goals in 72 games with Flick as coach. Barça were now in front and controlled the play to limit a dangerous looking Valencia's chances of equalising.
Gerard Martín debut and Pedri back for game 100
Balde had been feeling some discomfort since the first half, and Flick gave a debut to Gerard Martín, while Christensen came on for Cubarsí on a yellow. Pedri replaced Ferran, his return from injury saw him play his 100th LaLiga game. Worth celebrating and even more so after this hardworking win at Mestalla, where their fans constantly urged on their side. Eric Garcia came on for Bernal as Flick continued to use his squad.
Flick starts with a win
Barça defended well, while looking to make the most of space left by Valencia, a factor that led to Pau Víctor becoming the third to debut this evening. Barça almost scored one more through a great move by Pau Víctor, Gerard Martín, and Casadó, while Lewandowski had another chance after 93 minutes, but ultimately solid work saw out the game for a first opening day win in three after two draws.