Barcelona hit five at Mestalla to go top of La Liga

Barcelona made it four wins from four with a dominant 5-0 victory over Valencia at the Estadio de Mestalla on Sunday. 

Hansi Flick’s side scored twice in the first half and three more after the break to extend their perfect start and take full advantage of Real Madrid’s defeat to Real Betis on Friday. 

The result leaves Barcelona three points clear at the top of the table, with 17 goals scored and just two conceded so far.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring after five minutes, latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Fermín López before finishing past Stole Dimitrievski. 

López then made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute, rifling in Anthony Gordon’s lay-off for his fourth goal of the season. 

Gordon picked up his fourth assist in as many games, and López was later named the standout performer for his work rate and creativity in the final third.

Barcelona did not let up after halftime. Raphinha tapped in his sixth goal of the campaign in the 50th minute after a lung-busting run and pass from López, marking his 50th goal in La Liga. 

Pedri added the fourth in the 79th minute, combining in a slick one-two with Dani Olmo before slotting home. 

Olmo then turned provider again in the 84th minute, slipping Yamal through to complete his brace and seal the rout.

It was a miserable afternoon for Valencia, who remain bottom with one point and one goal from four matches. 

Signs of frustration were visible in the stands, where a section of supporters staged a delayed entrance in the 19th minute as a nod to 1919, the year the club was founded. 

The protest underscored growing discontent as the team struggles for form at both ends of the pitch.

The match also featured several notable debuts. Former Premier League players Harvey Elliott and Gabriel Jesus came off the bench for Valencia in the second half. 

For Barcelona, Rodri made his first start since completing a £65m move from Manchester City, slotting into midfield as Flick rotated ahead of a busy schedule.

Barcelona now shift focus to Europe, hosting Feyenoord on Wednesday in their opening Champions League group game. 

Valencia will look to reset quickly with a trip to Sevilla on Friday. With momentum and goals on their side, Flick’s team have set an early marker in the title race.