Fermin Lopez stole the day while Raphinha and Robert Lewandoswki struck a devastating brace off the bench each to brush aside Valencia 6-0, as Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga. La Blaugrana put on a true five-star display as the visitors were put to the sword.
La Masia graduate Fermín rejected attempts from the likes of Chelsea to sign him over the summer and was on top form in Barca's first home game of the campaign with a stunning finish in either half. The 22-year-old swept the ball home after Ferran Torres' delicate touch through for his first, before striking the ball left-footed from range to beat goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala in the second half.
Raphinha was introduced at half-time and scored his first from an impressive Marcus Rashford assist, stretching to poke home a delicious whipped cross to the far post. The Brazilian's second goal was more of his own making, as he took down Marc Casadó's long pass and powered the ball in at the near post.
Despite being without Lamine Yamal through injury it was Barca domination from start to finish, as the visitors could boast barely an attack – with the "olés" beginning to come out just after the hour mark. With just under a quarter of an hour to play it was five, as Robert Lewandowski made his own impact off the bench with a lethal finish in the box. Soon after, the Polish striker had his second in just a short cameo, Marc Bernal this time with the clever through ball on his return from an ACL injury.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Johan Cruyff…
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Joan Garcia (6/10):
The summer signing was rarely needed in such a dominant victory. Did not make a save until deep in the second half as Valencia had just two shots in the entire game.
Jules Koundé (6/10):
The Frenchman was solid while not needing to bring his A-game, facilitating a constant flow of attacks with passes into the midfield.
Eric García (7/10):
Made a key clearance in the first half and was part of a solid, though largely untested, defensive unit.
Pau Cubarsí (7/10):
Still just 18 years-old, Cubarsí is a fixture in the Barca defence and returned to the starting XI with effortless poise.
Gerard Martín (5/10):
Martín looked to get forward in his 74 minutes on the pitch and contributed to attacks, though he was caught out of position once or twice on the counter.
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Pedri (8/10):
A wonderful footballer, Pedri dictated play from an often deeper position as Barca were utterly dominant in the centre of the park.
Marc Casadó (8/10):
Celebrating his 22nd birthday today, Casadó grabbed two assists in the second half and shone alongside Pedri.
Fermín López (9/10):
Fermín showed just why he was determined to stay at La Blaugrana this summer with two classy finishes, whipping the ball just out of the reach of Agirrezabala and into the net once in either half. Typically confident on the ball and finished expertly to open his account for the season.
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Roony Bardghji (5/10):
Making his competitive Barca debut, the Swedish winger showed a couple of flashes but was not used by team-mates as much as he would have liked. Taken off at half-time without having influenced the game.
Ferran Torres (6/10):
Starting ahead of Lewandowski through the centre, Ferran's assist for Fermín was outstanding – but the Spaniard had two gilt-edged chances to score and will be disappointed not to have his name on the scoresheet.
Marcus Rashford (7/10):
The Man United loanee's cross into Raphinha was the highlight of a display which showed flashes of quality, though he is still getting used to the league and to his team-mates. There are positive early signs.
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Raphinha (8/10):
Came on at half-time and was clinical in front of goal with two top finishes. Not fit enough to start, Raphinha made a big difference in the time he was on the pitch.
Robert Lewandowski (8/10):
Only on the pitch for just over 20 minutes, the great Polish striker helped himself to two late goals to rub salt into Valencia wounds. The 37-year-old remains one of the most devastating strikers around.
Dani Olmo (7/10):
Registered an assist for Lewandowski's first and looked to get on the scoresheet himself as the home side ran riot late on.
Marc Bernal (7/10):
Making his first appearance since returning from an ACL injury, the 18-year-old assisted the sixth and final goal in what was a meaningful end to the game for Barca.
Jofre Torrents (6/10):
Replaced Martín late on at left-back as Barcelona looked to add to their advantage.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
His selection and substitutions paid off as Barca were utterly dominant. The German will hope this display sets up another imperious season in La Liga.