The summer in the Catalan capital was quite hot, and not only because of the high temperatures typical of the region. Xavi Hernandez was replaced as coach by Hansi Flick. The officials failed to finalize transfer Nico Williams, but Dani Olmo joined the club. The new coach is also tasked with getting Robert Lewandowski back in shape, with whom he worked in Bayern Munichwhen the Pole broke scoring records in the Bundesliga.
To kick off the 2024/2025 La Liga season, Barca travelled to the Estadio Mestalla for a challenging clash with Valencia, with Hansi Flick missing several key players such as Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundoganwho found himself out of the squad in rather mysterious circumstances. Because of this, three 17-year-olds were in the starting lineup: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubrasi and Marc Bernal.
The conceded goal woke up Barcelona
Unfortunately, the Barcelona team lacked this youthful imagination. There was more nervousness and inaccuracy, which the rivals tried to take advantage of. Valencia's attacks were more direct and therefore more specific. The tempo of the visiting players' game was very soporific. In the 30th minute, when there was a break for hydration, Robert Lewandowski he had six touches of the ball.
It seemed that the first half would be completely uneventful, but the last few minutes were full of excitement. First, Hugo Duro headed the ball into the Barcelona net with a precise shot. Initially, the linesman signaled for offside, but VAR analysis confirmed that the goal should have been recognized. Valencia took the lead, but five minutes of added time were needed.
The visitors made the most of this time and equalised just before the half-time whistle. This was achieved by Robert Lewandowski, who until then had been a foreign body in Hansi Flick's team. The assist for the Pole's goal was provided by Lamine Yamal, but one must also appreciate the cross from the left by Alejandro Balde.
FC Barcelona continued their good minutes after the break. First, Lamine Yamal wasted a great goal opportunity with a foul, but 120 seconds later Raphinha overtook his rival, having been fouled in Valencia's penalty area. The referee had no doubts in pointing at the eleven-meter mark, and Robert Lewandowski put his team ahead with a confident shot into the top corner.
The match definitely took on a different color. Barca had chances to increase the score – Ferran Torres wasted a one-on-one – and Valencia opened up more and more, supported by a lively crowd that kept demanding a second yellow card for Pau Cubarsi.
In the next few minutes the game calmed down and there was more balance on the pitch. Valencia did not have enough quality to dominate the opponent and force them to deep defense. Barca, on the other hand, wisely slowed down the pace of the game, keeping the ball for a long time. Ruben Baraja's players also lacked the strength to jump to their opponents, which is why the game was played on their half.
Finally, after eight minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle. FC Barcelona were losing, but after two goals from Robert Lewandowski, they beat Valencia 2-1 to open the La Liga season. Next week, on Saturday, Barca will play at home against Athletic Bilbao.