Lamine Yamal inspires Barcelona to ruthless 5-0 win over Valencia

Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season as Lamine Yamal produced a dazzling display in a 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday.

The result means Barcelona have won all four of their league matches and remain the only side in the Spanish top flight yet to drop a point.

Yamal put the visitors ahead after only five minutes, lifting the ball calmly over Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski after being released by a clever pass from Fermin Lopez.

The teenager thought he had doubled the advantage soon afterwards, but VAR confirmed that the effort had been scored from an offside position.

Barcelona controlled the early stages with extensive possession, while Valencia struggled to build any sustained attacking pressure. Their first meaningful opportunity came after 15 minutes, but David Otorbi was unable to take advantage.

Barcelona responded immediately. Fermin Lopez collected the ball and drove a left-footed finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Valencia had a brief spell of encouragement when Arnaut Danjuma tested Joan Garcia after a mistake by Rodri, but Barcelona continued to look the more threatening side.

Fermin nearly added another before half-time. He created room superbly inside the penalty area, only for his shot to come back off the woodwork.

The pattern did not change after the interval. Barcelona retained control of possession and territory, while Valencia found no route back into the match.

Raphinha extended the lead from close range, although Valencia came close to responding when Rodri sent a powerful header against the crossbar.

Barcelona played with the assurance of a side already in complete command, and the changes made by both teams did little to alter the balance of the contest.

Pedri made it 4-0 with just over 10 minutes remaining. He combined with Dani Olmo before finishing the move with composure.

Yamal completed the rout soon afterwards, scoring his second goal of the evening after receiving another assist from Olmo.

The defeat gives Valencia their worst start to a season after four matches in the past decade. Barcelona, meanwhile, continued their strong recent record in this fixture, claiming their 11th win in the last 14 meetings with Valencia.

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