Robert Lewandowski’s brace helped Barcelona come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against Valencia, marking the start of their La Liga campaign with three points.
Lewandowski’s goals on either side of halftime ensured a vital win for Barca, while young defender Pau Cubarsi looked assured in his role at the back.
In Hansi Flick’s first match as Barcelona’s head coach, salary cap constraints kept new signing Dani Olmo and others off the pitch.
Flick opted to start three 17-year-olds—Marc Bernal, Pau Cubarsi, and Lamine Yamal—demonstrating his trust in the club’s youth talent.
Barcelona aimed to make a strong statement in their season opener, but while the performance wasn’t flawless, they still managed to secure a positive result.
Valencia took the lead in the first half after a well-executed move, culminating in Hugo Duro’s header, assisted by a superb Diego Lopez cross. The goal stood after a VAR check confirmed Duro was onside.
Duro nearly doubled Valencia’s advantage moments later, but his effort was brilliantly thwarted by a last-ditch block from Pau Cubarsi, keeping Barcelona in the game.
This block proved crucial, as Barcelona leveled the score in first-half stoppage time.
Lamine Yamal connected with an Alejandro Balde cross and set up Lewandowski, who slotted home the equalizer.
In the second half, Raphinha was fouled in the box, earning a penalty that Lewandowski calmly converted, securing his second goal and the victory for Barcelona.
Valencia’s energy waned as the match progressed, allowing Barcelona to comfortably manage the remainder of the game and secure the win.
One standout moment saw a brilliant save deny Valencia from close range. The goalkeeper had no chance with Duro’s goal due to a lapse in defense, and a poor pass nearly cost Barca, but Cubarsi’s intervention prevented further damage.
