There ain’t too many exciting things in contemporary European football, like watching the slow yet meaningful creation of Xavi’s Barca patchwork.From game to game, the fallen giants are carefully rising from the ground and building a foundation for new domination, like the one during the Messi era.Of course, faced with the severe financial crisis and without such a mercurial player, it’s much more challenging to shift into the ruthless side. However, Barca fans are having their fair share of delightful moments after more than a couple of months of horrible setbacks.The newest victim on their road to the resurrection were the Mestalla-based Bats, who felt Barca’s new energy on their skin.The fourth match for the Blaugrana saw Aubameyang’s first goals for the visitors, as the former Gunners’ captain netted two in the first half to seal Barcelona’s victory.First goal for Aubameyang for Barcelona against Valencia is beautiful pic.twitter.com/J2CEwdmMZu— clutxh🇳🇱 (@Messiiuuu) February 20, 2022 The maiden goal was a result of, firstly, Jordi Alba’s paramount through ball and Auba’s impeccable finishing. The second was a reminiscence of Barca’s old days – tiki-taka at its finest – with Pierre-Emerick there to nail it with a tap-in.In between Auba’s brace, Frenkie de Jong was there to bag one more in a somewhat similar way, after the complete set of passes around Valencia’s area.Valencia 0 – [2] Barcelona – Frenkie de Jong 32’Follow for more goals as they happen pic.twitter.com/5lth5smKLM— Goal Zone (@james_sivakumar) February 20, 2022 Battered Bats gave their best to bounce back after conceding three in the first half, but what could have been the first step on their comeback tour was nulled instantly – the referee voided Soler’s goal in the injury time after the VAR warned him the ball had left the field in the build-up.The same player, Soler, didn’t surrender and eventually scored for good in the second half after Bryan Gil’s mesmerizing cross found him unmarked near the six-yard box. This moment affected both the Valencia players and fans in the stands, putting pressure on Barca’s mostly immature squad.#ValenciaBarca Valencia 1 – 3 Barcelona GOAL! Soler ⚽Follow @IFAST29 To See Goals pic.twitter.com/pgY3q1yeux— Goals720 (@LIVEHD10802) February 20, 2022 Meanwhile, Auba’s fourth-time charm almost went into tragedy after Diakhaby’s harsh tackle on the Gabonese forward shortly after the break. He was dragged out of the pitch due to severe pain in the right ankle but thankfully stayed in the game after some medical assistance.Aubameyang is the first player not named Messi to score 2+ goals for Barcelona against Valencia in a game at Mestalla since Eto’o in 2007. pic.twitter.com/YLkXZYdTx6— adil (@Barca19stats) February 20, 2022 Despite being two up, Barca were struggling amidst high tensions and Valencia’s restored confidence. Xavi felt things were not moving in the right direction, which he decided to change by replacing De Jong – unrecognizably lost in the second half and effortless in defence – with the youngster Pedri. Only three minutes later, the latter nailed a stunner! Barca’s offspring slammed the ball just beyond the crossbar to kill the game and calm down until-then the boiling atmosphere.#ValenciaBarca Valencia 1 – 4 BarcelonaGOAL! Pedri ⚽Follow @IFAST29 To See Goals pic.twitter.com/OPjooFZoVB— Goals720 (@LIVEHD10802) February 20, 2022 Nevertheless, the amazingly stubborn, die-hard Valencia fought back, again, with Hugo Duro being close to scoring twice, but Ter Stegen saved the guests from further worries.On the other end, Auba was not even far away from hat-trick, but Valencia keeper prevented him from netting from close range. He was off with 10 minutes left, as Adama Traore came in to keep the tempo and safely guide the Blaugrana to another much important La Liga win.LA LIGA – ROUND 25FridayElche – Rayo Vallecano 2-1 (0-0)/Carillo 77, Milla 84 – Fran Garcia 52/SaturdayGranada – Villareal 1-4 (0-2)/Milla 61 pen – Danjuma 35 pen, 39, 81 pen, Gomez 90+6/Osasuna – Atletico Madrid 0-3 (0-1)/Felix 3, Suarez 59, Correa 89/Cadiz – Getafe 1-1 (1-1)/Negredo 45+2 – Mayoral 6 pen/Real Madrid – Alaves 3-0 (0-0)/Asensio 63, Vinicius Jr. 80, Benzema 90+1 pen/SundayEspanyol – Sevilla 1-1 (0-1)/Darder 50 – Mir 36/Valencia – Barcelona 1-4 (0-3)/Soler 52 – Aubameyang 23, 38, De Jong 32, Pedri 63/20.30: (1.60) Betis (3.90) Mallorca (5.80)23.00: (2.60) Ath.Bilbao (2.95) Sociedad (3.00)Monday23.00: (1.65) Celta (3.80) Levante (5.50)***odds are subject to change
