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Barcelona started with Frenkie de Jong and winter asset Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the base. Luuk de Jong started on the bench, Memphis is still injured.
The Gabon attacker graced his first base place at Barça with no fewer than three goals. The first in particular was one to frame.
Trainer Xavi was brought in last October to reintroduce the real tikitaka football of yesteryear at Camp Nou. The second goal, from the foot of Frenkie de Jong, had it all.
A truly stunning attack, especially Jordi Alba’s deep pass, saw the Dutch midfielder sign his third La Liga goal of the season.
Frenkie is already on his total number of league goals from last year. The international of Orange has never scored more than three times in one season in the Spanish league.
Aubemayang
Most attention went to Aubemeyang. The 32-year-old attacker completed another fine attack from Barcelona and inadvertently extended a brilliant blast from Pedri, eventually scoring a hat-trick.
Eight minutes before the end, Xavi granted his striker Aubemayang a change of audience. Luuk de Jong was allowed to fill in for the Man of the Match. Jasper Cillessen was missing from Valencia. The goalkeeper has a calf injury.
Champions League
Barcelona are fourth in La Liga after the 1-4 win, with 42 points. Number five Atlético Madrid have the same number, but Barca still have one game left.
Fourth place is very important for Barcelona. In Spain, the top four places in the league table entitle you to play Champions League football. The millions that result from this are desperately needed by the ailing Barça.