Barcelona Cruise to Four-Goal Win Over Valencia in Season Opener
A dominant attacking display at home gives Barcelona an early statement result to open their title challenge.
Barcelona opened their season in style, defeating Valencia 4-1 in a one-sided afternoon that showed exactly why they will be considered genuine title contenders again this year.
The home side were ahead inside the first twenty minutes and never looked back, moving the ball with the kind of speed and confidence that made this Barcelona side so difficult to contain for long spells last season. A second goal before half-time put the result beyond real doubt, and Valencia, to their credit, never stopped trying, pulling one back midway through the second half to give the scoreline a touch of respectability.
It did not matter. Barcelona added two more in the closing stages, the kind of goals that come from a team playing with total belief, and the final whistle drew warm applause from a crowd that left in no doubt about the level their side is capable of reaching this season.
For Valencia, there were signs of encouragement even in defeat. They created chances of their own, particularly in the second half once they stopped chasing the game and started playing with more freedom. Four goals conceded will concern their coaching staff, but the performance had enough about it to suggest this will not be a repeat of their toughest recent seasons.
Barcelona's front line looked sharp throughout, combining well in tight spaces and stretching Valencia's back line at will. If this is a sign of things to come, La Liga's other title hopefuls will already be taking note.
Both clubs return to action in a fortnight, with Barcelona facing a trip across the country and Valencia looking to bounce back on home soil at the Mestalla. On this evidence, Barcelona will start as favourites wherever they play this season.
