They supposedly don't have a world-class traditional striker, yet after four games of the new La Liga season they have scored 16 goals. Six of them have come from the name of their “makeshift” number nine, Raphinha. Another ten have been shared among the rest of the squad. So the one thing Barcelona certainly don't have is a finishing problem. They proved that again today at Mestalla, where they demolished Valencia 5:0 and, following Real Madrid's defeat to Real Betis, moved clear at the top of La Liga. And judging by what we've seen from them so far, that's exactly where they belong. Valencia conceded five, and could easily have shipped another five, just in the first half. Quite simply, there is no defence capable of stopping this Barca, and Raphinha is merely one of the cogs in a machine constantly lubricated by stars such as Lamine Yamal, Fermín Lopez, and new arrivals Anthony Gordon and Rodri, who made his first start today and immediately earned several rounds of applause from the crowd for his masterful touches.Lamine Yamal vs Valencia CF pic.twitter.com/ylFhCPBle1— 🕊️ (@MagicalXavi) September 6, 2026 In fact, Barcelona's fans simply couldn't stop applauding today, because this was a footballing rhapsody. It began in the sixth minute, when Yamal cheekily lifted Fermín's magnificent pass over Stole Dimitrievski. The North Macedonian goalkeeper was the one who prevented a complete humiliation for Los Che, who are already going through a very difficult period, made even worse by the “war” between the club's most passionate supporters — who only entered the stands in protest in the 19th minute today — and the club's hierarchy led by the deeply unpopular Peter Lim, whose son Kiat Lim attended a Valencia match in person for the first time today. He certainly had plenty to see, although most of it came from the opposition. That said, and perhaps this is the most worrying part, Valencia did not simply sit back and watch Barca play. They actually created a few good opportunities, mostly through Arnaut Danjuma — but this Barcelona also have a goalkeeper capable of dealing with that, Joan García.Pedri goal 🥅 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iCf68dbftr— BIGWIN (@kkwarteng_) September 6, 2026 After Yamal's first of two goals, Fermín Lopez, Raphinha and Pedri also found the net. Pedri was particularly impressive, especially with his one-two with Dani Olmo. Fermín also provided two assists, as did Olmo, while Gordon added one of his own — already his fifth of the season. If the Catalans had needed ten goals, they probably would have scored ten. And they did it against a Valencia side who, despite all their problems, are certainly not opponents you can afford to underestimate. Unless, of course, you're Hansi Flick's Barcelona. They are so dominant that it almost doesn't matter who is standing on the other side. With an attack like this, they could probably blast a hole through a three-metre-thick brick wall. They are unbelievable.5 – El Barcelona ha anotado cinco goles en dos partidos consecutivos como visitante en LaLiga (0-5 ante el Elche y ante el Valencia) por primera vez desde septiembre de 2016 (1-5 ante el Leganés y 0-5 ante el Sporting de Gijón).💥 Demoledor. https://t.co/7RIDcZtcp5 pic.twitter.com/x4vmvW4qA9— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 6, 2026 The only thing that could spoil the Catalans' evening was Eric García's injury. He took an accidental blow to the face from Rodri and may have to play in a protective mask over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Barcelona's only genuine number nine, new signing Gabriel Jesus, made his debut for the Blaugrana tonight. But considering how well everything is working with Raphinha up front…Who needs a proper number nine?LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 4FridayReal Betis – Real Madrid 1-0 (0-0)/Parrott 81/SaturdayAthletic Bilbao – Atletico Madrid 3-0 (0-0)/Williams 46, Navarro 48, Sancet 90/Rayo Vallecano – Racing Santander 3-2 (2-2)/Ratiu 17, Camello 43,47 – Canales 4, Garcia 28/Villarreal – La Coruna 2-3 (1-1)/Pepe 19, Traore 76 og – Cruz 43, Eddahchouri 79, Aubameyang 88/SundayValencia – Barcelona 0-5 (0-2)/Yamal 6, 84, Lopez 22, Raphinha 50, Pedri 79/19.30: (2.30) Alaves (3.15) Osasuna (3.35) 19.30: (2.50) Malaga (3.35) Levante (2.85) 22.00: (2.35) Espanyol (3.20) Sevilla (3.20) Monday20.00: (2.50) Getafe (2.85) Celta (3.30) 22:30: (2.95) Elche (3.40) Sociedad (2.40)***odds are subject to change***
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