On Monday in La Liga, Robert Lewandowski scored three goals in the second half to lead Barcelona to an entertaining 4-2 victory over 10-man Valencia. The champions’ victory denies leaders Real Madrid the opportunity to win the title by simply defeating Cadiz next Saturday.
With five matches remaining, Los Blancos lead Barcelona by 11 points. Fermin Lopez put the hosts ahead before Valencia striker Hugo Duro equalized and Pepelu scored from the penalty spot to turn the game around.
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was sent off late in the first half for handball, and Lewandowski equalized shortly after halftime before adding two more late on.
It rained all day in drought-stricken Barcelona, and the threat of a downpour left the Olympic Stadium, which seats 30,000 people, half empty.
The small attendance could also be a reaction to last weekend’s Clasico defeat, which laid the groundwork for Real Madrid to sweep away Barcelona’s title, as well as the dreaded Monday night slot.
La Liga rescheduled the game with only a week’s notice, leaving many fans unable to attend.
Those in attendance witnessed a surprisingly entertaining match, with Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez triumphing in his first game after deciding to stay in charge next season.
“I think the team did well… we lacked calmness, tranquility, but I’m satisfied with the team’s attitude,” Xavi was quoted as saying by DAZN.
Key errors
It quickly got worse for Barcelona, with Araujo — who was sent off in the Champions League quarter-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain — foolishly giving away a penalty by colliding with Federico. Valencia midfielder Pepelu scored a penalty down the middle to put Los Che ahead.
Valencia’s goalkeeper made a mistake shortly before halftime, and the game shifted in Barcelona’s favor.
Mamardashvili mishandled the ball on the edge of his box, handing it over to teenager Lamine Yamal.
As the youngster attempted to round the goalkeeper, the Georgian touched the ball with his arm outside the area, prompting a VAR review and dismissal.
Replacement Jaume Domenech saved Raphinha’s free-kick but was unable to prevent Barcelona’s equalizer early in the second half.
To kick off Barcelona’s comeback, Lewandowski converted a corner kick.
The game lurched from end to end, with Domenech brilliantly saving Araujo’s header and Barca substitute Pedri making a last-ditch challenge to prevent Diego Lopez from scoring.
Lewandowski eventually nodded Barcelona back in front from close range after Araujo’s header from a corner fell into his path.
The Polish international completed his treble in stoppage time with a well-placed free kick, his 16th league goal of the season.
“The first half, we didn’t have much space in attack, but most important is if you lose one or two goals, we can always score three or four,” Lewandowski said in an interview with DAZN.
“If we score a lot of goals, it’s a lot easier for everyone.”
Barcelona’s victory moved them two points ahead of third-placed Girona, whom they will visit next Saturday.
The underdogs are chasing Champions League qualification, which they could achieve with a win that would also give Madrid the title.
“It will be a great game, two teams looking to attack,” said Xavi, whose team lost 4-2 at home to Girona in December.
