FC Barcelona won 2:1 in Valencia on former German coach Hansi Flick’s debut. The former Bayern coach was once again able to rely on Lewandowski, who single-handedly turned the game around after falling behind
FC Barcelona’s dress rehearsal had gone badly wrong. After the 3-0 defeat to Monaco, the first voices were raised against Hansi Flick – even before his competitive debut. Accordingly, the critics wanted to take a closer look on Saturday evening. The tough trip to the Mestalla was on the agenda for the La Liga opener.
In terms of personnel, Flick was certainly surprised, with Casado (20 years old, third La Liga appearance) and Bernal (competitive debut for the professionals) starting on the double-six. After a decent opening phase from Barcelona, Valencia became more courageous – and exposed weaknesses in the Blaugrana’s back line. Cubarsi made a somewhat fortunate save after 14 minutes, and in the 21st minute ter Stegen prevented an own goal from the 17-year-old
VAR gives Valencia the lead after all
However, Valencia were rewarded shortly before the break: Hugo Duro headed in against ter Stegen’s direction after a cross from Lopez. The flag initially went up for an alleged offside, but the VAR awarded the goal after a quick check (44′).
It was the starting signal for a crazy final chord in the first period: Barcelona’s best chance to date through Casado was cleared off the line by Gasiorowski (45.+2), before Cubarsi scrambled the ball away on the line after a huge mistake by ter Stegen (45.+3). Seconds before the break, it was Lewandowski, who had broken Gerd Müller’s famous Bundesliga goal record under Flick in May 2021 – and now scored the equalizer (45.+6).
Barcelona took the momentum into the second half, which Lamine Yamal could have started with a bang, but his right-footed shot from close range failed completely (46′). Lewandowski had to step up again and converted a penalty from Raphinha into the top right-hand corner (49). It was the Pole’s sixth La Liga goal against Valencia – his favorite opponents.
Ferran Torres misses out on a preliminary decision
Barcelona now had a different attacking mindset, but Ferran Torres was denied by Mamardashvili after brilliant work from Lamine Yamal (57′). The game flattened out in the final half-hour, partly due to the many changes – the injury to Balde was hardly to Flick’s liking.
It felt like the visitors were closer to a third goal than Valencia were to an equalizer. The home side suddenly made mistakes in the first half that they had never made before, nipping their own attempts in the bud. The 2:1 for the favorites – also because Casado (90.+1) and Lewandowski (90.+3) missed top chances – was ultimately not undeserved
Barcelona will be looking to add to their tally in Flick’s challenging home debut against cup winners Bilbao next Saturday. Valencia must avoid a false start the day before in Vigo at the same time.
