Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Barcelona secure a comeback win over Valencia

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Valencia vs Barcelona Review

Barcelona kicked off their 2024/25 La Liga season with a win, netting two goals just three minutes apart to achieve a 2-1 comeback triumph against Valencia at the Estadio de Mestalla.

Barcelona began the match aggressively, with Yamine Lamal having a shot deflected over the bar. Alejandro Balde’s long-range attempt was saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, who started the match despite strong transfer rumors linking him to Liverpool. He denied Raphinha in the 18th minute as well. Meanwhile, the forward duo of Rafa Mir and Hugo Duro started to find their rhythm, with Duro’s cross to Mir going wide in the 15th minute.

Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Giorgi Mamardashvili with the ball during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.
Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Giorgi Mamardashvili with the ball during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.

Just before halftime, Duro was likely relieved to see the offside flag raised after he mishandled a straightforward opportunity from André Almeida’s pass into the box. However, two minutes later, Duro headed Diego López’s cross past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen from close range, and replays confirmed he was onside, much to the excitement of the enthusiastic home crowd.

Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Hugo Duro celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.
Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Hugo Duro celebrates after scoring during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.

It seemed like the home team would head into halftime with a lead, but a thrilling five minutes changed that. Initially, there were goal-line clearances at both ends, with Yarek Gasiorowski preventing Marc Casadó from scoring, followed by Pau Cubarsí making a crucial stop to deny Duro a second goal after a mistake from his goalkeeper. Just before the break, Robert Lewandowski seized the opportunity to equalize, scoring from Yamal’s cutback with the final kick of the half. Hansi Flick’s team completed their comeback just three minutes into the second half when Christhian Mosquera fouled Raphinha in the penalty area. Lewandowski confidently converted the penalty, sending the ball high to the left of Mamardashvili.

Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Robert Lewandowski scores from the penalty spot during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.
Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Robert Lewandowski scores from the penalty spot during the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.

Substitute Pedri nearly scored a third for his team five minutes before the end, but his long-range shot went just wide. Encouraged by their enthusiastic home crowd, Los Che pressed for an equalizer, but Barcelona managed to secure a victory on the opening day, giving new coach Flick a successful start with three points.

Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Hansi Flick celebrates after the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.
Valencia vs Barcelona Review: Hansi Flick celebrates after the La Liga match between Valencia and Barcelona at Estadio Mestalla on August 17, 2024.

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