FC Barcelona overcame Valencia 4-2 in the La Liga with the aid of Robert Lewandowski’s remarkable hat-trick, his first for the Spanish giants.
The match was played at Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys and saw Robert Lewandowski put in a stellar performance to turn the tide in Barcelona’s favor after they trailed 2-1 at half-time.
The game started with Valencia showing early promise through Hugo Duro and Peter Gonzalez, but it was FC Barcelona who drew first blood. Midway through the half, Raphinha’s precise cross found Fermín López, who headed past Mamardashvili to put Barcelona in the lead.
However, Barcelona’s advantage was short-lived as a rare error from Marc-André ter Stegen gifted Valencia an equalizer. Ter Stegen’s mishit clearance landed at the feet of Duro, who made no mistake in slotting the ball into the empty net. Valencia capitalized on the momentum, earning a penalty after Ronald Araújo’s foul on Gonzalez, which Pepelu successfully converted to give them the lead.
Despite Araújo striking the post just before halftime, the drama continued into the second half. Mamardashvili’s error outside the box resulted in a red card, reducing Valencia to ten men.
Barcelona swiftly responded to the numerical advantage when İlkay Gündoğan’s corner was nodded on by Lewandowski into the net to level the scoreline.
With the numerical advantage, FC Barcelona intensified their attack, with Lewandowski capitalizing on a mistake from Valencia’s substitute goalkeeper, Jaume Doménech, to regain the lead. The victory was sealed in stoppage time as Lewandowski showcased his brilliance once again, curling in a sublime free-kick beyond Doménech to complete his hat-trick.
This crucial win catapulted Barcelona into second place in the La Liga standings, positioning them favorably as they aim to secure their spot in the league top-four.
With rivals Real Madrid expected to clinch the La Liga title, Barcelona’s focus now shifts to maintaining their position and securing Champions League qualification, with a big clash against second-placed Girona looming.
