Ansu Fati canceled out Jose Gaya's opener before Memphis Depay gave the lead to Barcelona, from the penalty spot, and Philippe Coutinho scored a late third to seal the win.
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It is a huge week for Barcelona and it started in the best possible manner as the Catalan club beat Valencia 3-1 in the La Liga fixture on Sunday at Camp Nou. Although Jose Gaya broke the deadlock early for Valencia, Ansu Fati equalized and Memphis Depay gave the lead to Barcelona from the penalty spot, before the break. Substitute Philippe Coutinho sealed the three points for Barcelona with a late third. The win helped Barcelona to seventh place, five points behind leaders Real Sociedad with a game in hand.
Barcelona were coming into the match on the back of two defeats before the international break. It had won only once in the last six matches in all competitions, therefore the first of the three-game home stint was crucial for Ronald Koeman’s side.
Within five minutes of kick-off, Gaya put the visitors ahead with a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the area. However, within eight minutes of the goal, Fati who was making his first start since his injury woes began a year ago produced a moment of brilliance to level the score. The Spanish international cut inside from the left and played a one-two with Depay before curling the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box.
The 18-year-old forward was having a brilliant game as he won the penalty that gave Barca the lead in 41 minutes. Fati was fouled from behind in front of goal while trying to connect to Jordi Alba’s low cross and the referee pointed to the spot. Although the replay’s showed that the defender had got the ball, penalty was given. Depay stepped up and dispatched the penalty emphatically to send Barcelona in ahead at the break.
Koeman’s comments on the penalty incident “You can doubt whether it is a penalty or not,” he added. “The referee has whistled, the VAR has not entered and, therefore, it is a penalty.”
In the 52nd minute, Valencia nearly equalized as Carlos Soler’s attempt from just inside the area struck the post. The visitors continued attacking and Goncalo Guedes tested Ter Stegen with a powerful strike from outside the box. Meanwhile Fati was substituted with Coutinho on the hour-mark, presumably as part of the teenagers return to full fitness program.
However, five minutes from time, Barcelona extended the lead. Coutinho slotted the ball in from close range after Dest provided the assist from the right side of the penalty area.
“It was good,” Koeman told reporters at his post-match press conference when asked about Coutinho’s performance and impact following his introduction into the match.
“When he entered the game he was good. With his freedom we were able to control the game better. He knows how to score goals.
“He has taken an important step because I have always believed in Coutinho. Physically, he is getting better and better.”
Meanwhile Sergio Aguero came on for his debut in the final stages and was lively. Koeman’s Barcelona will next host Dinamo Kiev in the Champions League fixture on Wednesday.
