Barcelona’s attacking firepower overwhelms Valencia as Real Madrid fall behind

Barcelona’s attack showed no mercy at Mestalla, where the defending Spanish champions swept Valencia aside 5-0 and strengthened their hold on the top of La Liga.

Lamine Yamal scored twice, while Fermin Lopez stood out with a goal and two assists. Raphinha and Pedri also scored as Barcelona controlled the match from the opening minute. The result left Barcelona perfect after four rounds, with 12 points, three ahead of Real Madrid. Valencia remained at the bottom with one point.

Barcelona took the lead in the sixth minute. Fermin’s precise pass found Yamal, who ran into the penalty area and beat goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski with a difficult lob. Fermin doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, sending a measured shot into the net from about 16 meters after Anthony Gordon laid the ball off.

The pattern did not change after halftime. In the 50th minute, Fermin turned provider again, running behind the home defense after a pass from Yamal and sending a sharp cross across the goal. Raphinha met it at the far post and made it 3-0. Barcelona continued to create chances, with Rodri hitting the crossbar and Pedri scoring the fourth in the 79th minute.

New signing Gabriel Jesus, brought in from the bench after joining from Arsenal, also made an appearance. Yamal completed the emphatic win with his second goal from close range. Barcelona have now scored 17 times in their first four league matches, adding another forceful statement at the top of the standings.