Barcelona Overwhelm Valencia 6-0 in Unusual Home Setting
BARCELONA – Barcelona secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Valencia in their first home match of the LaLiga season, despite playing before a crowd of just 6,000 spectators. The win elevates Barcelona to second place in the league standings with 10 points, trailing leaders Real Madrid by two points, who have won their first four matches.
The match took place at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona’s training ground stadium, due to ongoing renovations at Camp Nou and pitch issues at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium following a recent concert. LaLiga granted Barcelona a special exemption to play at the smaller venue, which has a capacity significantly below the league’s 15,000-seat minimum for first-division clubs.
Fermin Lopez,Raphinha,and Robert Lewandowski each scored two goals in the rout. Lopez opened the scoring in the 29th minute, assisted by Ferran Torres. Raphinha then struck in the 58th minute, converting a cross from Marcus rashford with a volley. Lopez added his second goal just three minutes later with a long-range shot, and Raphinha completed his brace in the 66th minute. Lewandowski, entering the game in the 68th minute, sealed the victory with two close-range goals.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick made several changes to his starting lineup after the international break, also with an eye towards their upcoming champions League debut against Newcastle on Thursday.
“From the outset, we demonstrated what we wanted to achieve, and that is what we have witnessed,” Flick stated in a post-match press conference. “Not only Fermin Lopez who had a great game, but everyone has fought hard and enjoyed themselves on the pitch. The team has been outstanding in every position. The three points are perfect, and for me, it is fantastic to have to choose between so many great players.”
The defeat leaves Valencia in 15th position in LaLiga with only four points.
