Match Preview: Valencia CF vs FC Barcelona 

 Opposition:

Valencia CF will welcome FC Barcelona on Saturday, August 17th, at 9:00 PM (CET) at Mestalla on Matchday 1 of LaLiga EA Sports. Valencia CF have entertained FC Barcelona 129 times on home soil, with 48 wins, 31 draws, and 50 losses across all competitions.

Valencia CF and FC Barcelona have crossed paths in the opening game of the season on four occasions. The first one dates back to 1958, which saw the Catalans come away with a 6-0 win. The next encounter occurred on September 14th, 1963, but the game had to be abandoned in the 28th minute due to heavy showers. The match was resumed two months later, on November 13th of that same year, with FC Barcelona picking up a 0-2 away win.

The latest season opener between these two sides dates back to September 4th, 1982, when Diego Armando Maradona put FC Barcelona in front. However, Valencia CF completed a scintillating comeback in the second half through Miguel Tendillo and a late winning goal by Santiago Idígoras.

Last season, Valencia CF produced a swashbuckling performance to pick up a valuable point, with Hugo Guillamón cancelling out João Félix's early strike with a wonder strike on the half-volley past Iñaki Peña.

Rubén Baraja’s side will be looking to come away with all three points, roared on by the Mestalla crowd, to stun the Catalan outfit.

Preseason form guide:

VCF: DLLDLW

FCB: LWLL

Baraja: “Against FC Barcelona we have to compete at 120%”

Hansi Flick: "The first match will be very tough because Valencia CF play very well and there's always a special atmosphere"

Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez.

VAR: Javier Iglesias Villanueva.

Service Information: 

Weather:

Clear skies and light winds at kick-off. The temperature feels like 37º.

Gate opening: 8 pm.

Ticket office from 6:30 pm until half-time. Quieries only, no ticket sale. 

Underground: Facultats/Aragón.

Buses: 10 12 93 C2.

Coverage: #ValenciaBarça