Barca crush Valencia

BARCELONA, Sept 15 (AFP): 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.

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 criticising the Spanish national team for playing him twice despite the problem during World Cup qualifiers last week.

The German handed Roony Bardghji his debut on the right flank in Yamal's stead after his summer arrival from Copenhagen.

Barcelona dominated Valencia in the first half without creating many clear-cut chances.

Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres fired narrowly over and wide respectively as Flick's side penned in the visitors.

Lopez, linked with a move to Chelsea during the summer, dug in to stay at Barca and proved his worth against Los Che.

Barca took the lead after 29 minutes when Torres flicked on a pass into the midfielder's path.

Lopez scampered into the box and flashed a strike across Julen Agirrezabala and into the net.