Three talking points from Valencia vs Barcelona as Robert Lewandowski says goodbye with a goal

VALENCIA, SPAIN - MAY 23: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla on May 23, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barca fizzle out in final game Barcelona’s final game of the 2025-26 season ended in disappointment as Valencia came from a goal down to win 3-1 and hand Hansi Flick’s side a sixth league defeat of the season. Unlike their opponents, the Catalans had nothing to play for and it showed.

Flick was without Raphinha and Lamine Yamal due to illness and injury and also chose to rest key players such as Pedri, Joan Garcia and Pau Cubarsi which goes quite a long way to explaining Barca’s lack of intensity. Hansi Flick did use the game to hand Ronald Araujo a start, although he was replaced at half-time by Xavi Espart after appearing to take a knock. Unfortunately it was a tough game for the young right-back, the hope will be he can learn plenty from his outing.

Marc Casado was also given some minutes late on ahead of a big summer for the midfielder. The midfielder is said to be heading for talks with the club about his future after slipping down the pecking order this season. Barcelona still end the season eight points clear of nearest challengers Real Madrid and with a vastly superior goal difference.

As Flick admitted afterwards, the real work is about to start as Barca being planning for the next campaign in earnest. “I’m pleased with the team’s level throughout the season,” he told reporters afterwards. “Now everyone wants to play in the World Cup, it’s normal for their heads to be elsewhere.