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La Liga season 2024-2025 resumed this week and FC Barcelona was inevitably highly anticipated. After a very disappointing season under Xavi Hernandez, Hansi Flick’s version of Barça had to reassure and show good things on the pitch. This first day against Valencia was therefore the perfect opportunity to get a message across. For the occasion, the German coach decided to bet on an experimental line-up. In attack, we found the strong men from the end of the season, namely Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. They were accompanied by Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. In midfield, Flick trusted the youngsters from La Masia Marc Casado and Marc Bernal while Jules Koundé was the starter on the right.
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Enough to offer an interesting match, at least on paper. Because on the pitch, the two teams did not seem at all inspired and especially FC Barcelona who did not have the possibility of chaining passes. We clearly felt a lack of creativity in the heart of the game. And this benefited Valencia who showed themselves to be the most dangerous in this match. The young Diego Lopez was very lively on his corridor and the residents of the Mestella finally logically opened the score just before the break. On an excellent service from Diego Lopez, it was Hugo Duro who placed an unstoppable header for Ter Stegen (1-0, 45th + 2). A goal which punished the disappointing first period of the Barcelonans.
Lewandowski starts with a double
And the score could have been harsher. A few minutes later, on a move of the same style, it was again Hugo Duro who sent a shot from the left that deceived Ter Stegen. But on his line, the young Pau Cubarsi intervened to prevent the goal of the break. And his action, which is clearly worth a goal, was going to change everything. On the counterattack, and after a fleeting cross from Baldé, Lamine Yamal threw himself to put the ball back in the area. The ball was taken by Robert Lewandowski who equalized a few minutes after the first goal (1-1, 45th + 6). Enough to allow his team to go into the locker room with a perfect equality.
In the second half, Barça benefited from a penalty a few minutes after the restart. Robert Lewandowski did not need to be asked twice and scored a double (2-1, 48th). But once again, the teammates of Pedri, who came on in the second half, were unable to step up to seal the victory. Until the end, Valencia tried to equalize and could have done so if not for the attackers who were sometimes clumsy in the final move. But the score would not change. FC Barcelona begins its Liga season with a difficult victory against Valencia. Three important points that will allow Hansi Flick to work a little more calmly, because there is work to be done…
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
 As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers.
 
 When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.
