Barcelona Triumphs in Hansi Flick's Debut as Coach

MADRID (AP) — Robert Lewandowski shone in his first match under new coach Hansi Flick, scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona against Valencia in their opening Spanish league match on Saturday. Flick, who took over from club legend Xavi Hernández at the end of last season, expressed the importance of starting with a win, despite acknowledging some first-half mistakes. Valencia initially took the lead with a header from Hugo Duro just before halftime, but the goal was confirmed after a video review overturned an offside call. Barcelona responded dramatically, with Lewandowski netting a crucial equalizer in first-half stoppage time, followed by another goal just four minutes into the second half, sealing the comeback for the Catalan side. Flick highlighted the significance of the late first-half goal, which shifted the momentum in favor of Barcelona. The coach also utilized several young talents from the club's renowned La Masia academy, including Gerard Martín and 17-year-old Marc Bernal. However, the match was not without its challenges, as defender Alejandro Balde was substituted in the second half due to a suspected muscle injury. In other league action, promoted Leganes marked their return to the top division with a 1-1 draw against Osasuna. The club, owned by former Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, celebrated their promotion after spending four seasons in the lower tier. Meanwhile, Real Madrid is set to kick off their league season on Sunday against Mallorca.