Robert Lewandowski opened his La Liga account for the season with two goals – the first from a Lamine Yamal cross – to put his side in front as Valencia vs Barcelona kicked off new manager Hansi Flick’s career in the top flight.
Revered forward Lewandowski pounced on Spain sensation Yamal’s assist five minutes into first-half added time following a perceptive delivery from Alejandro Balde.
The Poland captain struck again two minutes after the break, converting a classy penalty after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Raphinha.
Who else? 😏
Robert Lewangoalski! pic.twitter.com/wjmTFuYS2m
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 17, 2024
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Barcelona come back vs Valencia
The hosts had taken a 44th-minute lead when Hugo Doro headed in an inspired cross from Diego Lopez to compound Flick’s concerns following Barca’s 3-0 defeat to Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday.
Flick, whose tenure is his first role outside of Germany, pledged that his side would improve after that defeat, which was Barcelona’s first loss in the annual game since 2012.
Valencia had the best chance before the opening goal at the Mestalla Stadium when Rafa Mir almost made the necessary contact with a cross to put them ahead earlier.
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💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 17, 2024
Valencia vs Barcelona: Olmo out
Winger Raphinha had shown his willingness to shoot, firing in an effort which was beaten away by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Barcelona had a concern over Balde when the left-back went down and required treatment on a hamstring issue – the same problem which kept him out for periods of 2023-24.
New signing Dani Olmo joined Barca for a reported £51 million from RB Leipzig last week but was not involved because the La Roja international is not registered yet.
