Barcelona came into the weekend under quiet pressure. Sitting fourth after a bruising run of opening fixtures, fans wanted reassurance that Hansi Flick’s side could still mount a serious title charge. With Villarreal and Atlético both dropping points earlier, the stage was set.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut unfortunately key players were injured. Balde, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Lamine Yamal, plus Flick’s decision to bench Raphinha for arriving late, left Barca with a patched-up XI. But by full-time at the Johan Cruyff stadium, those concerns had evaporated.
The breakthrough came early, as López struck in the first half, finishing off a neat assist from Ferran Torres. Barcelona’s dominance, however, was only truly unleashed after the interval.
Flick brought on Raphinha, and the Brazilian made his presence felt immediately, latching onto a Rashford assist for the second. Moments later, López doubled his tally, this time supplied by youngster Casado, as Valencia’s defense began to unravel.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe floodgates opened from there. Raphinha bagged his second of the night, showcasing why Flick’s discipline may sting, but his quality is undroppable.
Lewandowski entered the fray, replacing Ferran, and wasted no time scoring Barca’s fifth with an assist from Dani Olmo. Then came the final sixth, Marc Bernal, just returning from injury, fed Lewandowski for the sixth. The goal was almost ruled offside, but VAR awarded it as onside.
Barcelona delivered a statement win tonight. Injuries and absences may linger, but the title race just got a sharp reminder: Barca are very much alive.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Pejuola Ransome
INMR FOOTBALL 
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