Barcelona kicked off their 2024/25 LaLiga campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Valencia at the Estadio de Mestalla. The Catalan giants scored two goals within three minutes either side of half-time to secure the win.
Barcelona started strong, with Yamine Lamal’s effort deflected over and Alejandro Balde’s long-range shot saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian goalkeeper, who starred for Germany this summer and has been linked with Liverpool, also denied Raphinha in the 18th minute.
Valencia’s attack began to find its rhythm as Rafa Mir and Hugo Duro combined, but Duro’s header from a Diego Lopez cross was incorrectly flagged offside. Replays showed Duro was onside, and he put the ball in the net moments later, much to the home crowd’s delight.
Just before the break, both teams had goal-line clearances. Yarek Gasiorowski denied Marc Casado, and Pau Cubarsà heroically blocked Duro’s follow-up after a mistake by his goalkeeper.
In the dying moments of the first half, Robert Lewandowski equalized with the last kick, tapping in Yamal’s cutback. Barcelona completed their comeback three minutes into the second half when Christhian Mosquera fouled Raphinha in the box. Lewandowski converted the penalty with a powerful shot to Mamardashvili’s left.
Mosquera partially redeemed himself by blocking a Lewandowski effort as the Polish striker sought his second goal, while substitute Pedri narrowly missed a third with a long-range shot. Despite Valencia’s push for an equalizer, Barcelona held firm to secure a victory. New boss Hansi Flick’s tenure began with a successful start and three crucial points.
