September 8: The La Liga Stage Seems Too Small, Barcelona Sweep Opponents with 17 Goals in Four Games to Lead the League Alone_Valencia_Fermin_Rodri

The La Liga stage seems unable to contain this unstoppable Barcelona side.

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have become the dominant force in Spanish football today. Whether it was the failed Alvarez transfer rumors, the absence of a traditional No. 9 core player, or the 34-degree heat in Valencia at 4 p.m., none of these could stop this 'winning machine.' After only four league rounds, Barcelona had scored 17 goals and led the standings with a perfect record, two points ahead of surprise second-place team Alaves. Although the league title is their target, people are more interested in whether this team, which has shown strong performances domestically, can achieve the same success in the Champions League and lift the trophy.

In this match, Rodri, who joined from Manchester City, made his debut. His midfield partnership with Pedri attracted plenty of attention. In addition, Raphinha is currently enjoying the peak of his career, and his freedom on the pitch suggests this could be his season.

In contrast, Valencia have fallen into a difficult period. The historic club has struggled amid management issues, and in the stands at Mestalla Stadium, fans repeatedly protested against the Lim family, expressing frustration and anger.

Facing Barcelona's fierce attack, Valencia manager Corberan set up a 5-4-1 defensive formation, attempting to slow Flick's offense by adding numbers in defense. However, against the gap in quality and desire to win, the defensive approach failed to work.

Just six minutes after kickoff, Fermin delivered a clever chipped pass, and Lamine Yamal beat the offside trap before scoring with a stylish outside-foot lob that beat Dimitrievski. Two minutes later, the pair connected again for another goal, but after a three-minute VAR review, the goal was ruled out because of an earlier offside.

In the 19th minute, fans in Valencia's hardcore stand 'Curva Nord' delayed their entry as a protest against the management. Valencia had a dangerous attacking move during that period, but it was stopped by Cubarsi. Barcelona then extended their lead: Fermin calmly finished into the far corner inside the penalty area to make it 2-0. Valencia had a chance to pull one back when Rodri's poor touch gave Danjuma a one-on-one opportunity, but Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia made a superb save to keep the clean sheet. After that, Barcelona took full control, with Yamal and Fermin both hitting the post. By halftime, Barcelona's advantage was already clear.

After the restart, Valencia were unable to organize an effective response. In the 49th minute, Fermin provided another assist, and current top scorer Raphinha calmly finished to make it 3-0. As his team struggled, Corberan made three substitutions, including Gaya, Tarega, and Liverpool youngster Harvey Elliott, who was making his debut.

Flick then began managing minutes with European competition in mind, gradually taking off key players. However, Barcelona's attack did not slow down. Pedri fired a powerful shot into the top corner from the edge of the box to make it 4-0. New signing Gabriel Jesus also came close after coming on as a substitute. Late in the match, the active Yamal scored again to complete his brace and set the final score at 5-0.

With 17 goals in four matches, this Barcelona side have equaled the club's best opening scoring record set in 2012.

For Barcelona today, the La Liga stage may truly be too small. Their sights have already turned toward the summit of European football.