What a way to bounce back. FC Barcelona returned to winning ways in LaLiga with a sensational 6-0 demolition of Valencia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
Hansi Flick’s side dominated from start to finish in their first home match of the 2025/26 league season. Fermín López, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski each scored twice, while Flick’s bold squad rotation paid off brilliantly.
Flick’s Bold Line-Up Pays Off
With several stars unavailable — Lamine Yamal, Frenkie de Jong, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi sidelined — Flick reshuffled his XI.
- Roony Bardghji, Marc Casadó, Gerard Martín, and Marcus Rashford started.
- Bardghji was a surprise inclusion after Raphinha was dropped for being late to the pre-match activation session.
- Pau Cubarsí and Fermín López also returned to the line-up, replacing Andreas Christensen and Dani Olmo.
This shake-up brought fresh energy to the team — and it showed from the opening whistle.
Fermín López Opens the Floodgates
Barça came out firing, with early chances from Rashford and Jules Koundé.
After several missed opportunities, the breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute:
- A pinpoint pass from Cubarsí launched a lightning move.
- Ferran Torres flicked the ball first-time into Fermín’s path.
- Fermín surged through and smashed a left-footed strike across Julen Agirrezabala for 1-0.
Barcelona kept pressing as Bardghji struggled to find rhythm, prompting Flick to bring in Raphinha after the break.
Second-Half Show: Raphinha and Fermín Run Riot
The second half turned into a Blaugrana party.
- In the 53rd minute, Raphinha doubled the lead with a sharp finish after Rashford’s low cross.
- Just moments later, Fermín struck again, blasting a long-range shot after a clever pass from Casadó.
- In the 66th minute, Raphinha punished a defensive error by Copete and Gayà with a powerful shot for 4-0.
Valencia had no answers, despite making four quick substitutions in desperation.
Lewandowski Seals the Rout
With the game wrapped up, Flick brought on Dani Olmo and Lewandowski.
- In the 75th minute, Olmo set up Lewandowski for a thunderous finish — his first goal of the season and his 102nd for Barça.
- Late substitute Marc Bernal — back after 383 days out injured — received a hero’s ovation and assisted Lewandowski’s second in the 86th minute.
- The Polish striker chipped Gayà with class, sealing a 6-0 scoreline confirmed by VAR.
The only negative note was Gerard Martín’s muscular injury, which casts doubt on his availability for the Newcastle United clash in the UEFA Champions League.
Barça Send a Message
Barcelona’s emphatic win makes a statement: Flick’s men can adapt, rotate, and still dominate. It was their third league win of the season, and in their last three home games against Valencia, they’ve scored an incredible 17 goals.
Up next, Barça face Getafe at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in LaLiga, while Valencia will try to recover at home against Athletic Club.
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