Barcelona thrash Valencia 5-0 to seize sole lead as Kiat Lim faces hostile Mestalla

Barcelona turned a hostile Mestalla into the setting for a 5-0 victory, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice and the Catalan side moving alone to the top of the table.

The atmosphere was tense before kickoff. Temperatures approached 34 degrees, the animation stand remained empty in protest, and home supporters booed Valencia’s players, coach Carlos Corberán and club president Kiat Lim. Chants calling for Corberán’s resignation continued during the match.

Barcelona needed only six minutes to take the lead. Yamal lifted the ball over goalkeeper Dimitrievski after receiving a precise pass from Fermín López. Fermín then doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute with a powerful left-footed shot.

Valencia created few clear chances. Danjuma threatened, but Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García made a strong save in the 32nd minute and stopped another one-on-one opportunity after halftime. Dimitrievski also kept the score from growing before the break with saves against the Barcelona attackers.

Raphinha scored five minutes into the second half after another assist from Fermín. Pedri added the fourth in the 78th minute, and Yamal completed the rout in the 87th. Many Valencia fans left before the final whistle, while those who stayed continued to protest as the players and Corberán faced boos on the pitch.

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Corberán, resign.