Three questions and three answers from Valencia 1-2 Barcelona | La Liga | OneFootball

Facing Valencia at Mestalla is far from the ideal way to start a league campaign. Yet, Barcelona were made to do so last night and Hansi Flick’s men did not disappoint.

The new manager started his campaign with Barcelona with a special comeback win over Los Che which gave many positives to takeaway with a fair share of questions as well.

Valencia took the lead on the night through a Hugo Duro strike in the 44th minute before Robert Lewandowski levelled the score in extra time of the first period.

The Pole eventually completed his brace with a calm finish from the penalty spot just four minutes after the restart.

Three answers

How would Barcelona respond after the Joan Gamper defeat?

There has been a lot of emphasis on Barcelona’s mental game in recent years given the dressing room’s tendency to go on a tilt even after the slightest of setbacks.

Facing a defeat to AS Monaco in his first game in charge in front of home fans, many were sceptical of how the team would react against Valencia last night.

Barcelona put on a strong performance in the second half against Valencia. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite playing a questionable opening 45 minutes, the team provided good sensations on the field and dished out a much-improved performance in the second half.

While Barcelona should have had more goals to their name, it is safe to say that Flick passed his first test with flying colours and there is reason to be optimistic looking ahead.

Could Robert Lewandowski step up?

A lot was said about Robert Lewandowski’s performance in midweek for he looked lost on the field, dropped deep and did not create many scoring chances in the final third.

Considering the hype around his reunion with Hansi Flick and possibly returning to his best version, his performance in the Gamper trophy game was disappointing.

Last night, however, he stepped up his quality under pressure and was one of the best players on the field for the Blaugrana, serving as a lethal presence in the final third.

Lewandowski was at the right place at the right time to pounce on Lamine Yamal’s assist to score the equaliser for his team late in the first half.

Stepping up for a penalty early in the second period, he kept his cool and helped his side take home the three points. A solid showing from the Polish star and one will hope he maintains his form through the season.

How would Barcelona’s young pivot work out?

Despite reports suggesting that Flick would not pair Barcelona’s young academy duo together as a double-pivot, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal started together last night against Valencia.

It was indeed a gamble to place two young stars in a position of vital importance together on day 1, but Flick’s decision paid great dividends.

Marc Casado was quite impressive against Valencia. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Casado and Bernal handled the pressure and responsibility with great maturity. The former played the full 90 minutes, recording two key passes, 84% pass accuracy, completed 100% of his long balls and even had some great chances to score.

Bernal, meanwhile, impressed with 94% pass accuracy, a staggering 11 defensive actions and 100% accuracy on his long balls. At just 17 years of age, that is very impressive.

Three questions

Does Ferran Torres have a future in the team?

The major disappointment at Mestalla, unfortunately, was the local boy Ferran Torres. Taking to the field at his former home ground, the Spanish winger was uninspiring and simply poor on the ball.

The 24-year-old started on the left wing and struggled to even participate in the team’s buildup as he recorded just 12 passes. Going up against Thierry Correia, he was very poor in his dribbles and simply created no threat in the final third.

His performance has led to severe backlash on social media. While the messages he received are seriously unwarranted, it would not be wrong to question if he actually has the desired skill set to warrant a place in Flick’s dynamics.

Can another attacking midfielder potentiate the attack?

It is safe to say that as early as Matchday 1, Flick’s Barcelona presents a different flavour to Xavi’s Barcelona. The dynamic and the change in formation bring something new to the table irrespective of how it turns out over time.

Lewandowski started as the centre-forward with Raphinha in an attacking midfield role right behind him.

Lamine Yamal was tasked with what he does best, providing width down the right flank but the dynamic on the left flank was different as Alejandro Balde played that role. Torres, despite starting on the wing, was primarily instructed to drift to central spaces.

Raphinha was used as an attacking midfielder by Hansi Flick. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The tactic largely worked out and helped the Blaugrana in the final third. However, one cannot help but wonder how much more the attack would be potentiated had Dani Olmo or Fermin Lopez started in Torres’ place.

With a lethal presence like the aforementioned stars in the box, the Catalans would have generated significantly more efficiency in front of goal and it remains to be seen how the dynamic pans out.

Is Alejandro Balde injured?

While Barcelona’s first game was largely positive, one moment of concern was when Alejandro Balde had to be replaced in the 64th minute after suffering an injury.

Considering that he just returned from a prolonged layoff last month, news of his injury spread like wildfire and generated significant backlash and concern.

As confirmed by Flick, however, the player has not suffered any serious blow and Balde even confirmed the same on his social media.

He will not face any prolonged layoff period but it remains to be seen if he starts against Athletic Club or if the management prefers to err on the side of caution.