BARCA SMASH FOUR-GAME WINLESS RUN AS LOPEZ SCORES DOUBLE

Barcelona ended their four-game winless La Liga run in style, thrashing Valencia 5-2 to secure their biggest league victory since beating Real Valladolid 7-0 in August last year.

Fermin Lopez scored twice and assisted his teammate Raphinha for a third goal as Barcelona regained confidence under manager Hansi Flick. The match was the first time Lopez had scored goals in open play since May, showcasing his improving form with the first-team squad.

Frenkie de Jong fired Barca into the lead within two minutes before Ferran Torres added to the hosts' advantage shortly after. A third goal came from Raphinha who received a clear-through pass and slotted home an empty-net goal in the opening half of the match.

The lead was extended as Lopez skillfully controlled long ball past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for his first goal before scoring second-half minute into stoppage time off a rebound. A late Hugo Duro goal only added more pressure, though Barca finished strong with Robert Lewandowski slotting past Mamardashvili from a long distance.

Manager Hansi Flick’s victory sees Barcelona move to 3rd in the La Liga Standings as he is closing the gap behind the current leaders Real Madrid. For Valencia meanwhile, a defeat keeps the team stuck 19th in this season league standings.

In other news, Barca will host Atalanta side from Italy for a match on Wednesday with manager Hansi Flick’s Champions League team on edge of advance to the quarter finals after securing their spot after the match on Tuesday against Benfica.