Lewandowski’s goal rush & Pedri’s century: 5 key stats from Barcelona’s 2-1 win vs Valencia

Barcelona made a determined start to their La Liga campaign with a well-earned victory against Valencia. 

Flick, in his competitive debut as Barcelona’s head coach, had to field a somewhat makeshift starting XI due to various circumstances. 

However, the team’s resilience and efficiency shone through, particularly thanks to the brilliance of Robert Lewandowski. 

Despite Valencia taking the early lead through Hugo Duro, Lewandowski’s clinical finishing turned the tide. His two goals, one just before halftime and another shortly after the break, secured the win for Barcelona.

This victory not only gives them a solid start in La Liga but also boosts confidence within the squad, as they had to fight hard to overcome a tricky opponent. Let’s delve into some key stats from the game, highlighting the contributions of the key players.

Lewandowski and Pedri’s Influence

Lewandowski seems to have developed a particular fondness for playing against Valencia in La Liga. Since joining Barcelona, he has consistently found the back of the net against them. 

Last season, he scored a hat trick in Barcelona’s 4-2 victory over them. Additionally, his incredible acrobatic goal at Mestalla in the 2022-23 season earned Barcelona three vital points, a contribution that was pivotal in their eventual league triumph under Xavi.

In yesterday’s match, Lewandowski increased his tally to six goals in just four games against Valencia, the most he has scored against any team in La Liga.

On the other hand, Pedri marked a significant milestone by playing his 100th La Liga match for Barcelona. This achievement is even more remarkable considering he has only played in La Liga and the Second Division with Las Palmas. 

Pedri’s journey has been extraordinary, and despite being sidelined, he returned to the pitch with his usual energy and composure. His record of 71 wins, 16 draws, and just 13 defeats in La Liga underscores his importance to Barcelona’s midfield.

Other Key Stats

3: Barcelona became the only team to start three under-18 players in a La Liga match since at least the 1998/99 season, achieving this feat twice: against Almeria in May 2024 with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Hector Fort, and again against Valencia with Yamal, Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal. 

3: Hansi Flick is now the third German to coach Barcelona in La Liga, following in the footsteps of Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek. Impressively, like his predecessors, Flick began his La Liga journey with a victory, setting a positive tone for his tenure at the club.

10: Lamine Yamal has been involved in 10 goals in 38 La Liga games, with five goals and five assists to his name. 

Among under-18 players in the 21st century, only Bojan Krkic and Ansu Fati have been more productive, highlighting Yamal’s bright future and his ability to make an impact at such a young age.