Fati stars as Barca beat Valencia

BARCELONA: Ansu Fati marked his first start in almost a year by scoring one goal and creating another as Barcelona came from behind to beat Valencia 3-1 in LaLiga at Camp Nou on Sunday.

The victory moved Ronald Koeman's side up to seventh in the table on 15 points, five behind league leaders Real Sociedad but with a game in hand.

Despite being allowed a full capacity crowd for the first time since March 2020, Barca's ground was only half full - and those in attendance were silenced after five minutes as Jose Gaya's long-range strike swerved into the far corner past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barca responded well and Fati levelled after 13 minutes with a wonderful curled finished from the edge of the box.

The youngster was then felled inside the box by Gaya four minutes before the break and Memphis Depay stepped up to net from the spot.

Carlos Soller hit the woodwork after the break as Valencia pushed for an equalizer and Guedes forced Ter Stegen into a smart stop at his near post as the visitors ramped up the pressure.

The home side held firm, however, and were able to secure all three points when substitute Philippe Coutinho fired in from close range five minutes from the end following tenacious work from Sergino Dest.

Sevilla moved into third with a 1-0 win away to Celta Vigo, who continue to struggle in the opening weeks of the season. Osasuna ended Villarreal's unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win in the Estadio de la Ceramica thanks to Chimy Avila's 86th minute goal. Agencies

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