2024-08-19 19:46:41
Published: 09:37, 18 August 2024 Updated: 09:47, 18 August 2024
Hansi Flick’s debut was under threat. He scored in the first match after taking charge of Barcelona. However, after falling behind, Barcelona turned around brilliantly. Robert Lewandowski scored twice as the Catalans opened the season with a 2-1 win over Valencia.
On Saturday night (August 17), Barcelona fell behind to a goal by Hugo Duro in the first half at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia. Lewandowski equalized with a goal before the break. The 35-year-old star scored his second goal from the penalty spot at the start of the second half. At the same time, he confirmed the victory of the team.
Barcelona started to play aggressively from the beginning of the match. One attack after another in Valencia’s defense. But there was no clear chance in that attack. On the contrary, Valencia took the first shot on target.
Valencia had a good chance in the thirteenth minute. However, Rafa Mir could not head into the box with a teammate’s cross from the left side. Barcelona got a chance in the 19th minute. Rafinha’s bullet speed shot from outside the box was saved by Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved Barcelona a little later.
In an attack-for-attack match, Valencia finally took the lead just before the break. In the 44th minute, Spanish forward Duro headed the ball into the net in the six-yard box after Lopes’ cross. The linesman initially raised the offside flag but the referee whistled the goal on VAR.
Barcelona did not give up even after losing the goal. They maintain the edge of their game. The Catalans equalized in stoppage time. In the fifth minute of added time, Polish striker Lewandowski found the net after sliding in after Lamine Yamal’s volley from Alessandro Bald’s cross.
Barcelona went ahead at the beginning of the second half. In the 47th minute, Barcelona got a penalty when Rafinha Valencia was fouled in the box. Lewandowski scored his second goal from the spot-kick. Barcelona had a few more opportunities in the rest of the period, but none were able to capitalize.
Dhaka/Vijay