Robert Lewandowski scored twice to lead Hansi Flick’s Barcelona to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Valencia in their La Liga opener on Saturday.
Lewandowski’s goals secured Flick’s first competitive win as Barcelona’s manager, marking a successful debut despite the team trailing at halftime. Valencia took the lead in the 44th minute with a goal from Hugo Duro, but Lewandowski equalized just before the break and then converted a penalty early in the second half.
Barcelona, missing key players like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo, featured three 17-year-olds in the starting lineup: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal, who made his debut. Yamal, whose father was recently attacked in a violent incident, played a crucial role, while Bernal made a significant debut.
“In the second half, we improved a lot,” Lewandowski told Movistar. “Starting the season with a win is crucial, especially at a challenging venue like Valencia’s stadium.”I always aim to score goals, and getting them early in the season boosts my confidence.”
Barcelona’s summer signing Dani Olmo is not yet registered to play, and Flick mentioned that the midfielder still needs to achieve match fitness. Flick was more satisfied with the team’s performance in the second half compared to their first-half mistakes.
The match began slowly, with few clear chances until Valencia’s Duro headed in Diego Lopez’s cross in the 44th minute. Barcelona equalized in stoppage time when Lewandowski turned in a cross from Alejandro Balde, which was redirected by Yamal.
In the second half, Barcelona took control when Lewandowski scored from a penalty after Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera fouled Raphinha in the box. Despite having several more opportunities to extend their lead, including a missed chance from Ferran Torres and a late miss from Marc Casado, Barcelona managed to hold onto their lead.
Lewandowski had a chance to complete his hat-trick in stoppage time but shot over the bar. “We took control of the game towards the end,” he said.“We’ve taken the first step, and now we have important upcoming matches.”
Yamal received applause from some Valencia fans for his performances with Spain in the Euros. Flick praised him, saying, “Lamine is a fantastic player, and it’s clear that everyone enjoys watching him play.”
Barcelona’s next league match is against Copa del Rey winners Athletic Bilbao next Saturday.