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Robert Lewandowski Barcelona 2024-25Getty Images

Barcelona player ratings vs Valencia: Robert Lewandowski is deadly! Striker nets brace and 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi impresses in 2-1 win as Hansi Flick gets up and running in La Liga

Hansi Flick will have been keen for his new Barcelona side to lay down a marker in their opening La Liga game of the campaign, and while that didn't quite happen, the Blaugrana did manage to start their campaign with a victory as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Valencia off the back of two Robert Lewandowski goals.

The hosts took the lead in first-half stoppage-time when a brilliant cross from Diego Lopez, who beat Jules Kounde with a great stepover, was met at the back post by Hugo Duro, who headed home. And Duro almost had a second just two minutes later, as he beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen from close-range but was denied by a superb sliding Pau Cubarsi block.

The block proved vital, as Barcelona were able to equalise before the break when Lamine Yamal got on the end of an Alejandro Balde cross and played the ball across goal, with Lewandowski able to finish.

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After the restart, Raphinha won a penalty after being fouled in the box, and Lewandowski stepped up to score his second goal of the night. Valencia faded badly thereafter, as Barca were able to see out what ended up as a comfortable win.

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