- Valencia Line-Up: Valencia sets up in a 4-4-2 formation with Duro and Almeida leading the attack. Notably, key players like Jose Gaya and Fran Perez are absent, which could affect Valencia’s defensive solidity and attacking options.
- Barcelona Line-Up: Barcelona fields a strong side, even though they are missing several key players, including Gavi, Frenkie De Jong, and Ronald Araujo. Ter Stegen dons the captain’s armband in the absence of Sergi Roberto. Pedri, recovering from an injury sustained during Euro 2024, starts on the bench, and new signing Dani Olmo is not included in the squad.
Kickoff (20:32)
- The match kicks off with both teams eager to make a statement in this early season clash. Barcelona looks to continue their dominance over Valencia, having lost only one of their last 16 encounters in La Liga.
12′ | Chance for Valencia!
- Almeida’s Brilliant Run: Almeida takes off down the right wing with blistering pace, leaving Balde in his wake. He manages to pull the ball back into the six-yard box, aiming for a teammate, but a Barca defender intervenes just in time to divert it behind for a corner. This was a close call for Barcelona, and Almeida’s pace is proving to be a real threat.
