In a thrilling opening game of the season in LaLiga, Robert Lewandowski stole the show as Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Valencia.
Barcelona were missing several key players, including Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Ilkay Gundogan, for their first competitive match under Flick. This put them under immense pressure in the first half at the Mestalla.
Valencia started the game with great energy and took the lead just before halftime. Hugo Duro headed in Diego Lopez’s delivery from close range, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen helpless in goal.
Duro came close to doubling Valencia’s lead when his effort was cleared off the line in stoppage time. However, Barcelona quickly responded and leveled the score before the break. Lewandowski tapped in a cross from Lamine Yamal, who has been making waves as a breakout star in Euro 2024.
Lewandowski continued his heroics shortly after the restart. Raphinha was brought down inside the box by Cristhian Mosquera, resulting in a penalty for Barcelona. Lewandowski stepped up and blasted the ball into the top corner, securing the winning goal.
This victory marks a flying start for Flick’s tenure at Barcelona. Despite being pinned back by Valencia in the first half, Lewandowski’s two goals in quick succession turned the tide of the match.
Flick now joins an exclusive club of German coaches who have led Barcelona in LaLiga. Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek were the previous two, and like Flick, they both won their debut matches in charge.
It’s an encouraging start for Flick and Barcelona, who will be hoping to build on this momentum as they navigate through the challenges of the season ahead.
