Barcelona acquired their La Liga marketing campaign off to a strong begin with a 2-1 comeback victory over Valencia on Saturday night.
The guests truly fell behind in a full of life first half as Hugo Duro headed dwelling, however Robert Lewandowski tapped dwelling simply seconds earlier than the interval after a quiet particular person 45 minutes.
Lewandowski doubled his tally simply minutes after the restart from the penalty spot, steering Barcelona to a few helpful factors on Hansi Flick’s La Liga debut.
How the sport unfolded
Barcelona tried to get forwards as rapidly as doable, enjoying with a notably larger tempo in comparison with the fashion underneath former boss Xavi. Lamine Yamal was a menace out large, however his early effort after slicing inside was nicely blocked.
It took Valencia round 12 minutes to get forwards into the Barca field, however the hosts loved a sequence of excellent moments. Duro and Andre Almeida each brought about issues with some highly effective runs, earlier than the previous headed over from a nook.
Raphinha crashed in an effort from vary which stung the gloves of Giorgi Mamardashvili within the Valencia internet, however goalmouth motion dried up within the sweltering summer time warmth. Duro ought to have scored when he sliced a volley from six yards out, however happily for the Valencia striker, the offside flag spared his blushes.
Duro did discover the again of the web two minutes earlier than the break however, as soon as once more, the offside flag was raised. Nevertheless, a VAR test confirmed the striker had timed his run completely and allowed the purpose.
Marc Casado noticed an try at an instantaneous response cleared a couple of yards in entrance of the road, and straight down the opposite finish, Pau Cubarsi wanted to make a goal-line clearance of his personal to disclaim Duro after Marc-Andre ter Stegen gave the ball away.
With the ultimate kick of the primary half, Lewandowski equalised. Alejandro Balde’s cross flew throughout the field and was despatched again throughout purpose by Yamal, permitting Lewandowski to faucet dwelling into an empty internet. A busy finish to an entertaining first half.
Yamal’s tame strike from shut vary ought to have seen Barcelona take the lead inside the primary minute of the second half, however that they had one other superb alternative 60 seconds later when Raphinha was awarded a penalty.
Lewandowski stepped as much as the spot and fired into the highest nook, placing Barcelona forward for the primary time within the recreation.
Ferran Torres noticed an effort saved shortly earlier than the hour mark and Lewandowski almost had a hat-trick with 20 minutes to go as his deflected effort went agonisingly large.
Barcelona continued to push for a 3rd however, with the job already performed, merely saved management of the sport en route to a few helpful factors.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 5/10 – A poor move almost gifted Duro a second purpose shortly earlier than the break. A nervy efficiency.
RB: Jules Kounde – 6/10 – Usually left on an island by these round him. Misplaced loads of battles however may hardly do something about that due to the numerical drawback. Truly did higher than he had any proper to do.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – 6/10 – Some nervy moments early on however deserves loads of credit score for his goal-line clearance. Saved a sure purpose. Lucky to keep away from a second yellow card early within the second half.
CB: Inigo Martinez – 5/10 – Provided little or no on the again and didn’t maintain tabs on Duro. Exhausting to think about him enjoying common minutes this season.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 7/10 – Lined each blade of grass on the left facet and appears to have improved his closing ball. Brought on all types of issues along with his crossing earlier than limping off on the hour mark.
DM: Marc Bernal – 6/10 – First rate. His inexperience was on present for lots of this recreation as Valencia picked the areas round him, however Bernal saved his composure and will be pleased with his displaying.
DM: Marc Casado – 7/10 – Nervy within the opening levels as his inexperience confirmed, however Casado grew into proceedings and performed an necessary function after the break.
RM: Lamine Yamal – 7/10 – Not his greatest efficiency however nonetheless managed to seize the help for Lewandowski’s equaliser. Causes issues even when he is on the fringes. Must work on his defensive contribution.
AM: Raphinha – 6/10 – Deserves credit score for what was undoubtedly an immense work charge, however this central Raphinha wasn’t nice. Struggled to hyperlink issues up however some sensible motion earned his facet a penalty early within the second half.
LM: Ferran Torres – 5/10 – Made loads of runs however hardly ever truly obtained the ball, so ended up being out of place most of the time.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – 7/10 – No person on the pitch, together with goalkeepers, had fewer touches within the first half than Lewandowski (13), however the veteran striker nonetheless managed to get his title on the rating sheet. An excellent penalty after the break.
Substitutes
SUB: Gerard Martin (64′ for Balde) – 6/10
SUB: Pedri (64′ for Ferran) – 6/10
SUB: Andreas Christensen (64′ for Cubarsi) – 5/10
SUB: Eric Garcia (71′ for Bernal) – 6/10
SUB: Pau Victor (86′ for Yamal) – N/A
Subs not used: Inaki Pena (GK), Ander Astralaga (GK), Sergi Dominguez, Alex Valle, Hector Fort, Pablo Torre
Supervisor
Hansi Flick – 6/10 – For all Barcelona’s dominance on the stats sheet, they have been hardly snug right here. Loads of work to be performed but.
Participant of the match: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
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