Enlarge image
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring for Barcelona
Photo: Manuel Bruque/EPA
A long ball, a sprint, he was already ahead of his opponent - and scored: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first goal for FC Barcelona and it was a classic Aubameyang goal.
The attacker, who recently came from Arsenal, even stepped up later and played a crucial role in the Catalans' 4-1 (3-0) win at Valencia with his two goals (23rd minute, 38th).
Aubameyang scored his second goal from a position typical of a centre-forward, converting a sharp cross just meters from the opponent's goal.
Deep runs and penalty area presence - the 32-year-old forward hinted in that game that he could bring Barça exactly what the club was lacking.
The other goals were scored by Frenkie de Jong (32') and Pedri (63').
Carlos Soler scored for Valencia (52nd).
Barcelona desperately need Aubameyang's goals and especially wins.
In the Spanish football championship, the club threatens to miss the Champions League.
After all: After the success, the team is fourth in the table.
However, the gap to Real Madrid in first place is 15 points.
Real had extended their lead in the table the night before.
The defending champions defeated Deportivo Alavés 3-0 (0-0).
Madrid increased their lead over FC Sevilla to six points, the pursuers only managed to draw 1-1 (1-0) at Espanyol Barcelona.
It is therefore quite likely that Real will become champions.
For Barcelona, it's all about salvaging a messed-up season.
The club started the season with coach Ronald Koeman and without superstar Lionel Messi, Xavi is now a coach with the Catalans and in recent weeks he has had three new offensive players in Aubameyang, Adama Traoré and Ferran Torres.
Previously, Barcelona had failed in the Champions League behind Bayern Munich and Benfica in the group stage.
ara/dpa/sid
