Barcelona turned on the type in a snug 7-0 win over Actual Valladolid on Saturday afternoon to take care of their good file originally of the 2024/25 La Liga season.
A flurry of targets within the first half noticed Hansi Flick’s aspect head into the break with a three-goal benefit, with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde all discovering the online throughout an distinctive first-half show.
Raphinha scored twice after the restart to finish his hat-trick and each Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres additionally acquired in on the act, with Barca realizing they are going to return from the September worldwide break on the high of the desk.
How the sport unfolded
4 minutes into Barcelona’s conflict with Valladolid, Olmo nearly claimed his second purpose for the Catalan giants following his dream debut final trip. Lewandowski’s skewed shot discovered the Spaniard within the penalty space and he drove a side-footed effort off the within of the publish.
The previous RB Leipzig midfielder then had the ball at the back of the online 5 minutes later when Raphinha’s shot was spilled by Arsenal loanee Karl Hein, however the offside flag was rightly raised by the linesman to disclaim Barca the lead.
Nevertheless, the hosts did go in entrance within the twentieth minute and it was the relentless Raphinha who grabbed his first purpose of the season. Pau Cubarsi’s lofted via ball was managed fantastically by the Brazilian, who proceeded to prod past Hein within the Valladolid purpose along with his left foot.
It took simply 4 minutes for Barcelona to double their benefit, with Lewandowski persevering with his glorious early season kind. This time it was Lamine Yamal’s via ball that picked out the Polish striker and his effort squirmed beneath Hein.
Valladolid’s Raul Moro nearly diminished the deficit earlier than the break however Marc-Andre ter Stegen matched his shot. The flag was raised in opposition to the 21-year-old however replays prompt he was truly onside.
If Valladolid had even slight hopes of a comeback in Catalonia, they had been dashed earlier than half-time because of an unlikely scorer. A Barcelona nook dropped on the ft of right-back Kounde within the penalty space and the French defender’s instinctive end discovered the again of the online off the publish.
Olmo was as soon as once more left questioning how he hadn’t acquired his title on the scoresheet after the break, inexplicably lacking the ball from six yards out. Raphinha and Lewandowski might have added to the rating shortly afterwards however Hein and the woodwork denied the Barca forwards.
Raphinha could not be denied once more simply after the hour mark and he will not have scored many easier targets in his profession. The ball ricocheted off Lewandowski and into the winger’s path, who tapped into an empty internet from eight yards to make it 4.
The previous Leeds United ahead claimed his hat-trick simply eight minutes later as Barca executed an ideal counter-attack. Yamal raced clear from a Valladolid nook and bided his time earlier than producing an beautiful via ball for Raphinha, who slotted via the legs of a helpless Hein.
However Barcelona weren’t completed there and Olmo grabbed a much-deserved purpose within the last ten minutes. The summer time signing danced via the Valladolid midfield and defence earlier than chopping in on his proper foot and slotting into the underside nook, with substitute Torres including much more gloss to the scoreline with a seventh a number of minutes later.
GK: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7/10 – A really quiet afternoon for the German however he did produce an vital save through the first half to maintain Barca’s clear sheet intact.
RB: Jules Kounde – 8/10 – Popped up with a purpose from a nook and persistently supplied Yamal assist down the right-hand aspect. Moro supplied him some nervy moments defensively nevertheless it was an overwhelmingly optimistic show from the defender.
CB: Pau Cubarsi – 8/10 – {The teenager} produced a elegant via ball for the opening purpose and swept up on the again when Valladolid ventured ahead with direct balls in behind.
CB: Inigo Martinez – 6/10 – Threw his weight round in defence however has had way more difficult afternoons.
LB: Alejandro Balde – 7/10 – Provided width down the left-hand aspect when Raphinha tucked in and he was frequently equipped by the Barcelona midfield. A nuisance for Valladolid’s Lucas Rosa.
DM: Marc Casado – 6/10 – A strong however unspectacular exhibiting from Casado, who had little or no defensive work to do in his personal half. Seemed comfy on the ball and recycled possession successfully.
DM: Pedri – 7/10 – Some glorious long-range passes and neat link-up play triggered Valladolid points, with the guests giving him far an excessive amount of area to drag the strings.
RW: Lamine Yamal – 9/10 – Pure field workplace. The 17-year-old strutted across the pitch and supplied Valladolid’s backline no respite, opening them up with some mazy runs and delicate passes. Added two extra assists to his tally.
AM: Dani Olmo – 9/10 – His debut was fairly particular, however this was sensational. On the coronary heart of the whole lot optimistic for Barcelona with some incisive passing, easy touches and highly effective dribbling. Grabbed a wonderful purpose to make it six late on.
LW: Raphinha – 10/10 – Valladolid could not stifle the Brazil star, who made frequent darting runs in behind the opposition defence. A well-taken first was adopted by a routine second and correct third to open his account for the marketing campaign in type.
ST: Robert Lewandowski – 8/10 – The veteran had three targets heading into Saturday’s conflict and added to his expertise with a reasonably scruffy strike by his excessive requirements. May have had extra and was excellent when linking play.
Substitutes
SUB: Fermin Lopez (61 for Pedri) – 7/10
SUB: Eric Garcia (61′ for Casado) – 6/10
SUB: Sergi Dominguez (61′ for Cubarsi) – 6/10
SUB: Ferran Torres (73′ for Lewandowski) – 8/10 – Got here on to seize a purpose and help. Not too dangerous, eh?
SUB: Pablo Torre (84′ for Olmo) – N/A
Subs not used: Ander Astralaga (GK), Inaki Pena (GK), Gerard Martin, Hector Fort, Pau Victor.
Supervisor
Hansi Flick – 9/10 – The perfect efficiency of the season to date by a long way, with Barca’s direct and free-flowing soccer giving Valladolid nightmares. Very encouraging indicators at the beginning of Flick’s reign, though greater hurdles lie in wait.
