Hansi Flick had a great start to the season in La Liga with a win at Mestalla (1-2), which boosted his confidence for the tough season ahead. While Barcelona did not play the most exciting football against ValenciaThey relied on their experience, turned the game around and secured three important points. The decision to trust in young players paid off. Lewandowski They look sharp and effective, and the substitutions also make a difference.
Young players compete
Flick relied on young talents such as Marc Bernal (17 years old) and Marc Casadó (20 years old) in key roles, and they performed admirably, showing a maturity beyond their years. Lamine Yamal (17 years old) and Pau Cubarsí (17 years old) also made an impression, while Gerard Martín (22 years old) and Pau Víctor (22 years old) made solid debuts for Barça. The young guns are proving what they can do.
Lewandowski’s deadly form
Flick’s partnership with Lewandowski paid off as the striker showed his lethal skills at the Mestalla, scoring two goals that secured the win. His goals were crucial: first he equalized with a precise shot and then he sealed the win with a penalty into the top corner. Lewandowski’s positioning near the goal was perfect, making him a force to be reckoned with. A strong start for the Polish star.
Impressive comeback
Barça’s response to Hugo Duro’s goal was commendable. Although they conceded just before half-time, Lewandowski quickly equalised and Raphinha’s penalty resulted in the winner within five minutes. This turnaround showed character and determination, a stark contrast to last season’s difficulties. A promising sign for the team.
Experience comes to the fore
Barça faced some challenges towards the end of the first half and after the score was 2-1, but then the more experienced players took over. Koundé put in a strong performance, Iñigo demonstrated leadership in defence and Raphinha played a crucial role as a midfielder, albeit in a less conspicuous way, in stopping Valencia’s advance. Players like Gündogan and De Jong were missing at the Mestalla and their presence could have been an advantage in those difficult moments of the game. Overall, the first test was a success.
The changes made a difference
Flick also showed his interventionist side to secure the win at the Mestalla. Balde’s injury forced a substitution for Gerard Martín, but the coach took the opportunity and brought on Pedri and Christensen in place of Ferran Torres and Cubarsí to better control the game. The Canarian’s return was positive and the Dane successfully stopped the home team’s attacking attempts. Meanwhile, Eric Garcia also performed well in the double six and Pau Víctor contributed in the closing stages and came close to providing an assist for Pedri. Flick wants the whole team to be on the ball this season to be competitive and that’s what the players showed at the Mestalla.
This content has been translated and adapted from the Spanish version of the digital newspaper
