Valencia Humiliated: Barcelona Caps an Extraordinary Week

Early opener: Frenkie de Jong celebrates his goal.
The FC Barcelona has had a week to remember—one that will likely be talked about long after the 2024/25 season is over. Following their sensational 5-4 comeback victory in the Champions League away at Benfica Lisbon, Hansi Flick's team dismantled Valencia with a 7-1 home win, leading 5-0 by halftime.

After their midweek exertions in the Champions League, Flick rested star striker Robert Lewandowski. However, this did not deter the rest of the team, who surged to a 3-0 lead within the first 14 minutes. Valencia’s defensive performance was subpar, and captain Frenkie de Jong opened the scoring in just the third minute.

Only five minutes later, Ferran Torres, a product of Valencia’s youth academy, converted a perfect cross from Alejandro Balde to make it 2-0. The third goal came courtesy of the brilliant Raphinha, who rounded goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and slotted the ball in with his weaker right foot (14’).

Barcelona’s Hunger Persists - Penalty Woes for Valencia

Anyone expecting Barcelona to ease off was quickly proven wrong. Cubarsi’s long pass found Fermin, who coolly finished to make it 4-0 (24’). Ferran Torres and Balde missed chances to extend the lead further (27’, 32’), before Fermin capitalized on a Raphinha shot that struck the crossbar, scoring Barcelona's fifth in stoppage time of the first half (45+4’).

It was a disastrous evening for Valencia, epitomized by two penalty incidents. First, André Almeida was denied a penalty (22’), and later, a penalty awarded to Hugo Duro was overturned by VAR due to a prior foul on Jules Koundé (33’).

Second Half: Torres Misses, Valencia Improves

After halftime, Ferran Torres came close to making it 6-0 but missed the target (54’). Valencia showed improvement in the second half and was rewarded when Hugo Duro scored just before the hour mark (59’).

Lewandowski "Answers" Mbappé

Following Valencia’s goal, Flick brought on Robert Lewandowski, who was eager to respond to Kylian Mbappé’s hat trick on Saturday, which brought the Frenchman’s La Liga tally to 15 goals. Lewandowski delivered, scoring from Fermin’s assist with a precise shot into the bottom-left corner (66’). The Polish striker now leads the league with 17 goals.

Adding to Valencia’s misery, a comical own goal capped their night. Ferran Torres fired a ball into the box from the byline, and Valencia’s Tarrega inadvertently turned it into his own net to make it 7-1 (75’). Without Barcelona easing off in the second half, the scoreline could have easily been double digits.

Looking Ahead

Barcelona settled for a six-goal margin, likely with one eye on Wednesday’s more challenging Champions League clash against Atalanta Bergamo (9 PM, LIVE on kicker), although their place in the round of 16 is already secured. Meanwhile, Valencia will need to regroup quickly as they face a crucial "must-win" match against Celta Vigo on Sunday (4:15 PM).