Barcelona thrash Valencia 6-0 to climb La Liga standings

KATHMANDU: Barcelona recorded a dominant 6-0 victory over Valencia in La Liga, with Ferran López, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski each scoring twice for the defending champions.

López opened the scoring in the 29th minute, converting a pass from Ferran Torres.

Raphinha added the second goal in the 53rd minute from a Marcus Rashford cross, followed by López’s stunning strike from outside the box in the 56th minute. Raphinha completed his brace in the 66th minute.

Lewandowski, recently returned from injury, scored his first from Dani Olmo’s pass in the 76th minute. His second goal in the 86th minute was initially ruled offside but was later awarded after a VAR review.

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford made his La Liga debut goal involvement, playing 67 minutes and nearly scoring twice. Ferran Torres also came close but hit the post from Rashford’s cross.

Due to Nou Camp renovations, the match was held at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium. With 10 points from four matches, Barcelona sits second in the La Liga table.

In other fixtures, Osasuna defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-0, while Levante and Real Betis played out a 2-2 draw.