Lamine Yamal recovers in time as Rodri makes his first Barcelona start in Valencia

Lamine Yamal recovered in time to start for Barcelona at Mestalla, wearing a precautionary bandage after missing Saturday’s training because of a blow to his left knee. Rodri also entered the lineup for his first start with the club, on his 100th LaLiga appearance.

Rodri had already played minutes against Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano. His league total includes three seasons at Villarreal and one at Atlético Madrid, before his seven-year spell in the Premier League with Manchester City.

Barcelona went into the match leading LaLiga and with a chance to move three points clear of Real Madrid. Valencia, by contrast, had collected only one point and scored once in its first three matches. The team also arrived after a painful defeat by Deportivo at Riazor, where it scored two own goals.

The atmosphere around Valencia had deteriorated during the club’s first two home games of the season. Supporters expressed anger at coach Carlos Corberán, the club’s transfer-window decisions and comments from football director Ron Gourlay. Several fan groups called for supporters to enter the stadium from the 19th minute in protest against the board and majority owner Peter Lim.

Corberán’s team had numerous absences, including Guido Rodríguez, Justin de Haas, Sadiq Umar, Luis Rioja, José Copete, Diego López and, at the last minute, Dimitri Foulquier. Valencia selected a five-man defense and handed Otorbi his debut. The match was among the final games at the current Mestalla, which is expected to give way to the new stadium next season if the planned timetable holds.