Yamal scores twice as Barcelona thrash Valencia 5-0

Lamine Yamal struck twice as Barcelona swept aside Valencia 5-0 at Mestalla, preserving the champions’ perfect start to the La Liga season.

Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Pedri also scored for Hansi Flick’s visitors, who moved three points clear at the top after Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid lost 1-0 at Real Betis on Friday. Barcelona remain the only top-flight team to win their opening four matches.

Yamal had missed Saturday’s training session after taking a knock, but showed no sign of discomfort in a dazzling performance. The 19-year-old opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a lofted finish after Lopez clipped a fine ball over the defense. He thought he had scored again soon afterward, but VAR ruled the effort offside.

Lopez doubled Barcelona’s lead in the 22nd minute after Anthony Gordon created the chance. Barcelona lost Eric Garcia to injury midway through the first half after he collided with teammate Rodri, who was making his first start since joining from Manchester City. Yamal went close again, while Lopez hit the post as Barcelona continued to control the game.

Raphinha, operating again as the central striker, tapped in his sixth goal of the season after Lopez set him up. Pedri added the fourth following a passing exchange with Dani Olmo, and Yamal completed the rout in the 84th minute after collecting another Olmo pass.

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia denied Arnaut Danjuma before halftime, while Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski saved from Rodri. New signing Gabriel Jesus came on for his Barcelona debut during the final 10 minutes and sent a low shot just wide.