Robert Lewandowski scores twice as Barcelona beats Valencia 2-1 in debut of coach Hansi Flick

MADRID (AP) — Robert Lewandowski scored late within the first half and early within the second to provide Barcelona a profitable begin in coach Hansi Flick’s Spanish league debut.

The objectives by Lewandowski gave the Catalan membership a 2-1 win at Valencia in its opening league match on Saturday.

It was Flick’s first official match in cost after he changed former membership nice Xavi Hernández on the finish of final season.

“It was essential to debut with a victory,” Flick stated. “We made some errors within the first half however we improved within the second.”

Valencia opened the scoring with a header by Hugo Duro within the forty fourth, however Barcelona rallied with objectives by Lewandowski in first-half stoppage time and 4 minutes into the second half.

“The purpose on the finish of the primary half was essential,” Flick stated.

Duro’s purpose was initially disallowed for offside, however video overview decided it ought to stand.

Lewandowski’s first purpose got here after an help from teenager Lamine Yamal, whose father was stabbed on Wednesday after an altercation close to Barcelona. Mounir Nasraoui needed to be hospitalized however his accidents weren’t life-threatening.

The 35-year-old Lewandowski gave Barcelona the lead by changing a Forty ninth-minute penalty kick after ahead Raphinha was fouled inside the world.

“My goal is to attain objectives. It’s vital to start out the season like this to provide us extra confidence,” Lewandowski stated.

Flick used a number of gamers from Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, together with Gerard Martín and 17-year-old Marc Bernal. Each made their first-team debut.

Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde needed to be substituted within the second half due to an obvious muscle harm.

Barcelona, nonetheless struggling financially, completed second within the league final season, 10 factors behind champion Actual Madrid.

Madrid opens its league season on Sunday at Mallorca.

Leganes marks return with draw

Promoted Leganes marked its return to the primary division with a 1-1 draw at Osasuna.

The guests opened the scoring by means of Juan Cruz within the twenty second earlier than an personal purpose by Juan Soriano evened the rating within the 79th.

Leganes had spent the final 4 seasons within the decrease tier earlier than profitable the second division to earn promotion.

The membership is owned by former Houston Astros common supervisor Jeff Luhnow, whose Blue Crow Sports activities Group has included traders from america, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Canada.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer