Matchday 1 of LaLiga EA Sports left good feelings for FC Barcelona. Hansi Flick's men reacted in time to overcome Hugo Duro's initial goal, led by their two main offensive figures from the final stretch of last season: Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal. At Mestalla, both appeared at the right time to change the course of a match that could have become much more complicated for the culés.
In the last play of the first half, the '19' enabled the experienced Polish striker to bring down a good cross from Alejandro Balde from the side. 'Lewy' appeared in his favorite spot to shoot Mamardashvili and make it 1-1 before half-time, a goal that changed the game in Barça's favor. The Barça team had a hard time putting together plays in the first 45 minutes, with Raphinha playing in the center as a playmaker. Yamal was always the main alternative to unbalance from the right, while the Brazilian seemed lost at times, beyond causing the decisive penalty.
Lewandowski, fired up and looking forward to his best season in Barcelona
In the 48th minute, Lewandowski completed the comeback after converting a penalty by Raphinha. The '11' anticipated Mosquera inside the area and was clumsily brought down by the Spanish centre-back. Without hesitation, the Pole took charge, placing the ball in the upper right corner, impossible for Mamardashvili. The '9' once again looked somewhat slow and disconnected for long periods, but he is still 'on fire' and doing the job that all Barcelona fans expect: scoring goals.
In that sense, Lewandowski starts the season in the same way as two years ago: with a double on the opening day of the League, but with his sights set on improving his statistics in his third season in Barcelona. The one from Warsaw has 44 goals in 70 games in the tournament (23 in 22-23 and 19 in the last season), crack records, but far from his production at Bayern Munich. In any case, Flick fully trusts in his leadership within the area, as well as in Lamine's talent to lead a Barça that has not yet finalized its squad this summer.