Robert Lewandowski scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona against Valencia in Hansi Flick’s debut as head coach in the Spanish league on Saturday.
The match saw Valencia initially take the lead with a header from Hugo Duro in the 44th minute, a goal that was confirmed after a video review overturned an offside call. However, Lewandowski replied just before halftime, leveling the score in stoppage time before netting again from a penalty in the 49th minute after Raphinha was fouled in the box.
Flick, who took over from Xavi Hernández at the end of last season, emphasized the importance of starting the season with a win despite some first-half mistakes. He introduced several La Masia youth academy players, including Gerard Martín and 17-year-old Marc Bernal, both making their first-team debuts.
Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde had to be substituted in the second half due to a muscle injury. The club finished second in the league last season, trailing champions Real Madrid by ten points.
In another match, promoted Leganes drew 1-1 against Osasuna in their return to the first division, with Juan Cruz scoring for Leganes before an own goal by Juan Soriano equalized for Osasuna in the 79th minute. Leganes spent the previous four seasons in lower leagues before earning promotion. The club is owned by Jeff Luhnow, former general manager of the Houston Astros, and features investors from multiple countries.