Barcelona Thrash Valencia 6-0 in Johan Cruyff Stadium Home Debut
BARCELONA, Spain – Barcelona delivered their most impressive performance of the season with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Saturday, moving second in La Liga with a display that showcased their formidable attacking depth.
Playing before just 6,000 spectators due to their temporary relocation from the Olympic Stadium, Hansi Flick’s side produced a devastating second-half display with Fermín López, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski each scoring braces. The victory leaves Barcelona on 10 points from four matches, two behind leaders Real Madrid.
The match marked Barcelona’s first league game at their 6,000-capacity training ground venue, necessitated by both the delayed Camp Nou renovations and poor pitch conditions at their usual temporary home following a Post Malone concert. La Liga granted special dispensation for the arrangement, waiving the usual 15,000-seat minimum requirement.
“We demonstrated from the outset what we wanted to achieve,” Flick told reporters. “Not only Fermín López had a great game, but everyone fought hard and enjoyed themselves. The team has been outstanding in every position.”
López opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Barcelona unleashed a second-half blitz. Substitute Raphinha volleyed home in the 58th minute, followed by López’s long-range strike three minutes later. Raphinha completed his double in the 66th minute before Lewandowski came off the bench to add two close-range finishes in the final stages.
The performance demonstrated Barcelona’s strength in depth despite the absence of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, with Flick making several rotations ahead of their Champions League opener at Newcastle on Thursday. The result leaves Valencia languishing in 15th position with just four points from their opening four matches.