Barcelona have kicked off the 2024/25 LaLiga season with a crucial 2-point advantage over arch-rivals Real Madrid, following a 2-1 victory against Valencia in their opening match on Saturday. The Catalan giants secured the win thanks to a brace from Robert Lewandowski, who proved instrumental in overturning a first-half deficit.
🏁 @RCD_Mallorca 1-1 @RealMadrid
⚽ 13' @RodrygoGoes
⚽ 53' Muriqi#MallorcaRealMadrid | @emirates pic.twitter.com/bWGN7zpiYC— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 18, 2024
Valencia initially took the lead in the 44th minute, when Hugo Duro’s header found the back of the net behind Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. However, Barcelona responded quickly, with Lewandowski converting a penalty just before halftime to level the score. The Polish striker struck again just four minutes into the second half, securing all three points for Barcelona and giving them an early boost in the title race.
The following day, Real Madrid traveled to Mallorca for their opening game of the season but failed to match Barcelona’s winning start. Despite taking the lead through Rodrygo’s goal, Los Blancos were held to a 1-1 draw. Real struggled to create meaningful chances in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior yet to find the perfect balance in their partnership on the pitch.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his frustration after the match. “We lacked balance” he admitted. “I am not happy with the draw because we could have done better. We needed more attitude. We can learn a lot from this game because it seems clear where we could have a problem.”
With the season just beginning, Barcelona will be pleased to have taken an early lead over their rivals, but both teams know there is a long road ahead in the race for the LaLiga title.