Valencia 1-2 Barcelona
Barcelona started their 2024/25 La Liga campaign with a 2-1 win away to Valencia as Robert Lewandowski scored either side of half time, giving Hansi Flick three points at the first attempt.
The early season La Liga 2024 betting odds say Real Madrid will be the team to beat again and that may be so, but the Blaugrana, with a number of senior players missing were dominant at the Mestalla and could have won by a bigger margin. Los Ches are aiming to consolidate on a top ten finish from last season, and they made a good start when star striker Hugo Duro gave them a lead when he met a Diego Lopez cross with a beautifully timed header. But the Catalans hit back when Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal fired a cross into the danger area and Lewandowski converted with his usual deadliness; and when Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera felled Raphinha in the penalty are the writing was on the wall for Los Ches.
Lewandowski stepped up and slammed the ball home to give Barcelona the win and Flick his first success as Barca boss. And it was all the more impressive when you factor in the number of senior players missing. Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi were all sidelined, alongside defender Ronald Araujo, and that meant a trio of 17 year olds, Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal all stepped up. Barcelona dominated possession and the shot counts, by 18 to six and six to two on target and Flick will be delighted with the overall performance if not the margin of victory.
A win’s a win and with a home match against Athletic Bilbao to come next week, confidence will be high in the Catalan camp. And there was good news too for midfield Pedri, who came through a substitute appearance having made a quick recovery from an injury sustained at Euro 2024. He replaced La Roja’s Olympics hero Ferran Torres so, as more of the injured players make their way back, competition for places will be healthy, though Barca will need to move some players out too.
Summer signing Dani Olmo will be itching to make an impact at the club while Flick is also hopeful of keeping Germany star Gundogan in his group. The 33 year old is in the final year of his contract and is such an influential player in a team with so many young stars.
Draws for Bilbao and Betis
Two of the regular European contenders started their campaigns with a draw as Athletic Bilbao were frustrated by Getafe and Real Betis played out a stalemate with last season’s surprise package Girona.
In Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet gave the hosts a first half lead when he showed superb control to line up a fierce shot which gave Getafe stopper David Soria no chance. But Cristantus Uche met a cross from Luis Milla to head home the leveller and win an unexpected point for Getafe. The visitors matched Bilbao for much of the game though substitute Nico Williams almost won it for the hosts late on. Williams is the subject of transfer speculation after his spectacular showing at Euro 2024 and may not be a Bilbao player for much longer with both Barcelona and Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal both heavily linked.
In a match we previewed here at SBOTOP Real Betis and Girona also played out a 1-1 draw and Betis too will be a little frustrated as they led for much of the match. The ever lively Nabil Fekir crossed for Marc Bartra to score with a thumping header and only six minutes on the clock. Girona, who shook up the league finishing third last year, have lost some key players over the summer including top scorer Artem Dovbyk and winger Savinho. Michel’s team dominated possession but had little goal threat, while Betis pushed for a second, raining 19 shots down on the Girona goal. Chimy Avila crashed a shot against the upright, and Argentine goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga kept the visitors in the game when he tipped over an effort from Aitor Ruibal and he was rewarded when his team levelled on 72 minutes. New signing Abel Ruiz had already hit the post but there was no escape for Betis when another new arrival, Dutch star Gabriel Misehouy scored on his debut.
In other La Liga 2024 results there was a win for Celta Vigo as a late goal from veteran striker Iago Aspas gave his team a 2-1 victory over Alaves. But it is Barcelona who have dominated the headlines so far, and now it’s over to the two Madrid giants who are in action on Sunday night and Monday.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
