BARCELONA: Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez struck twice each as Barcelona thumped Valencia 6-0 on Sunday in a La Liga match they were forced to play at their tiny Johan Cruyff training ground stadium because of delays in reopening their Spotify Camp Nou home.
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The rampant Spanish champions moved second, two points behind leaders Real Madrid, who boast a 100 percent record after their win at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Hosting the game at the 6,000 capacity ground besides their training facilities west of the city, with the rebuilt Camp Nou not yet permitted to open, Barca’s first home game of the season saw high-calibre football in a low-key setting.
Star forward Lamine Yamal’s absence due to a groin issue was a further blow for Barca, with coach Hansi Flick criticizing the Spanish national team for playing him twice despite the problem during World Cup qualifiers last week.
