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Barcelona 5-2 Valencia: Ansu Fati dresses as Messi in handsome win

The teenager starred on what was his first start for Barça's first team

Los compañeros felicitan a Ansu Fati tras su gol / | sport
Albert Rogé

Ansu Fati starred as Barcelona beat Valencia 5-2 on Saturday with Lionel Messi still injured and watching from the stands. 

Ansu made his first-team debut against Real Betis last month and scored his first goal against Osasuna but this was his first start and he did not disappoint. 

It took just two minutes for him to score the opener and six to set up Frenkie de Jong for Barca's second of the night -- the Dutchman's first for his new club. 

Kevin Gamiero pulled one back for Valencia. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but VAR overruled the decision. 

There would be no comeback for Valencia, though, who sacked Marcelino earlier in the week and replaced him with ex-Barca midfielder Celades. 

Gerard Pique added Barca's third after he returning Jasper Cillessen failed to deal with Antoine Griezmann's shot. 

Ansu then gave way for Luis Suarez, making his first appearance after suffering a calf injury at Athletic Bilbao, and the Uruguayan returned with a bang. 

He soon made it 4-1 with a clever finish from 20 yards and then added his second of the night in the final 10 minutes. 

Maxi Gomez added a late consolation for Valencia as Barcelona picked up the three points to move within two of leaders Atletico Madrid, who were beaten by Real Sociedad earlier on Saturday. 

 

 

Barça now turn their attention to Borussia Dortmund, who they face in the Champions League on Tuesday.