Barcelona produced a devastating display to overwhelm Valencia 6-0 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, extending their unbeaten start to the LaLiga season.
Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski all struck twice in a ruthless performance that underlined Barcelona’s attacking depth.
The game was staged at the club’s temporary home, with work on Camp Nou still ongoing, but the reduced 6,000-capacity crowd was treated to a showcase of finishing.
Jules Kounde and Ferran Torres squandered early chances, while Marcus Rashford forced a smart save from Julen Agirrezabala.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Lopez collected Torres’ flick and guided a precise finish into the corner.
After the interval Barcelona’s momentum intensified. Raphinha converted Rashford’s inviting cross before Lopez doubled his tally with a 25-yard strike.
Valencia, overwhelmed, failed to regroup as Raphinha pounced again following Jose Gaya’s weak clearance.
Lewandowski, quiet until the final stages, then delivered his trademark power.
He smashed in off the underside of the bar before producing the goal of the night, delicately lobbing Agirrezabala with the outside of his boot after being set up by teenager Marc Bernal.
The result offered a sharp response to the frustration of a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano before the international break.
For Xavi’s side it was not only the scoreline but the balance of contributions across the frontline that impressed, with Lopez, Raphinha and Lewandowski all heavily involved.
Barcelona remain two points behind Real Madrid, who top the table with a perfect record after four games. Valencia’s struggles continued as they sit 15th on four points and facing an early battle to avoid being drawn into the lower reaches of the table.
