Barça achieved one of those victories that stings the rival side: 7-1 and it could have been more. Flick's team once again showed that spirit of wanting more, of crushing the opponent, and of not stopping under any circumstance. On top of that there were rotations, banishing the ghosts of the past and sending a clear message to their rivals. They are using all this to go for the League.
Culé Destruction
Demolishing: That is what Barça did during this first half to a Valencia that kept receiving blows, one after another. In just 10 minutes, the Catalans had already scored two goals, first De Jong and then Ferran. However, this was not going to stop there, as Raphinha was going to score the 3-0 after a signature move.
The rotations didn't affect in the slightest; in fact, Fermín took advantage of the opportunity in the best way. First assisting Raphinha and then scoring the fourth and fifth goals, regaining that goal-scoring instinct he showed last year. Hansi Flick's team once again displayed that overwhelming version from the beginning of the season: a "manita" ("high-five", five goals) in 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, Valencia had a penalty in their favor, but it was preceded by a foul from Gayà. Apart from this, the Valencian team could do little, unable to win duels and leaving many spaces behind.
Unstoppable, Unyielding
At the start of the second half, one could see a Barça that didn't want to stop, seeking more goals and generating a lot of danger. The goal of honor for the "ches" was going to be scored by their top scorer, Hugo Duro, after a cross from Diego López. With that goal, it could be expected that the locals would lower their intensity, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Lewandowski came on, who was one of those who had rotated and didn't miss the opportunity to score his 17th goal in the League.The final score was going to be 7-1, after an own goal by Tárrega, following an action in which Ferran was close to his double. It is noteworthy that Diakhaby returned to the field after overcoming that injury so severe that he suffered against Real Madrid more than a year ago.
This match served to regain good feelings in the League and integrate the less regular players into the dynamics. Mainly, Fermín, the Andalusian, participated in 4 of the team's 7 goals. But also De Jong or Ferran, who, in addition to scoring goals, performed at a high level.