Teenage sensation Fati leads Barca thrashing of Valencia

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique (right) is congratulated by teammate Ansu Fati after scoring. (AFP Pic)

BARCELONA: Barcelona’s 16-year-old forward Ansu Fati continued his explosive start to life in the first team by scoring and providing an assist as the La Liga champions thrashed Valencia 5-2 on Saturday.

Fati, who became Barca’s youngest ever goalscorer two weeks ago by netting at Osasuna, struck his first goal at the Camp Nou to give Barca the lead with less than two minutes on the clock by smashing a pass from Frenkie de Jong into the net.

The teenager then returned the favor by dashing into the area from the left-wing and teeing up Dutchman De Jong to score his first goal for the club in the seventh minute.

Valencia, playing their first game since sacking coach Marcelino and replacing him with Albert Celades, pulled a goal back later in the half through Kevin Gameiro but Barca came flying back at them after the interval.

Gerard Pique bundled the ball into the net in the 51st minute after Antoine Griezmann had hit the post while Luis Suarez netted twice after coming off the bench.

Maxi Gomez got a consolation goal for Valencia in stoppage time.

The victory takes Barca, who are still missing captain Lionel Messi through injury, on to seven points after four games, while Valencia have four.