FULL TIME
Barcelona [2-1] Valencia
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Valencia possible starting lineup: Dimitrievski; Correia, Mosquera, Tarrega, Ozkacar; Lopez, Guillamon, Guerra, Canos; Almeida; Duro
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Christensen, Cubarsi, Balde; Gundogan, Casado, Torre; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha
Match Preview
The opening week of the 2024-25 La Liga season brings a marquee matchup at Mestalla, where Valencia will host Barcelona. This fixture promises to be one of the most exciting of the weekend, with both teams eager to start their campaigns on a positive note. Valencia, who have struggled to break into the top four in recent seasons, aim to push for a European spot this year. Meanwhile, Barcelona, under new management, will be looking to mount a serious challenge against reigning champions Real Madrid.
Valencia's Recent Struggles and Ambitions
Valencia, once a dominant force in La Liga, have not finished in the top four since 2019. Over the past five seasons, they have placed ninth, 13th, ninth, 16th, and ninth respectively, showing a clear decline in their performances. Last season, they finished ninth again, eight points short of European qualification. Manager Rubén Baraja has his work cut out to improve on that record this season.
The summer has been a period of consolidation for Valencia, with the team playing seven friendlies as part of their pre-season preparations. They concluded these matches with a 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, giving them some momentum heading into the new campaign. Despite limited transfer activity, Valencia managed to secure Dani Gómez and Rafa Mir on loan, along with signing Stole Dimitrievski on a free transfer. Crucially, they have retained key players like Javi Guerra, whose move to Atlético Madrid fell through at the last minute.
Barcelona's Transition and Title Aspirations
Barcelona, after finishing second in La Liga last season, have undergone significant changes, most notably with Hansi Flick replacing Xavi as head coach. Flick faces the daunting task of challenging a strengthened Real Madrid squad for the title. Barcelona's summer transfer window has been relatively quiet, with Pau Victor and Dani Olmo being the only new signings. The club's attempts to bring in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao have been unsuccessful so far, but more moves are expected before the window closes.
Barcelona's pre-season has been a mixed bag. They secured a morale-boosting win against Real Madrid but suffered defeats to Monaco and other European giants in the Joan Gamper Trophy. Despite these setbacks, Barcelona's squad remains one of the strongest in La Liga, and they will be looking to hit the ground running against Valencia.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Valencia enter this match with several injury concerns. Key players Fran Pérez, Mouctar Diakhaby, Jaume Doménech, and José Gayà are all sidelined. César Tárrega is likely to start in central defense, while new signing Stole Dimitrievski could debut in goal, as Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to leave the club. Upfront, Hugo Duro, Valencia’s top scorer from last season, will lead the line, with André Almeida providing support.
For Barcelona, the situation is also complicated by injuries. Dani Olmo is unavailable due to registration issues, while Ronald Araújo, Ansu Fati, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi are all out with injuries. Pablo Torre and Marc Casado might get starts in midfield, and Alejandro Balde is expected to feature at left-back. Lamine Yamal, fresh from his Euro 2024 triumph with Spain, should also be involved, alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in the attack.