Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to save Barcelona after Xavi's side turned in another chaotic defensive showing
Robert Lewandowski played hero to salvage a win despite yet another mistake-ridden Barcelona showing, the Polish striker scored three as his side came from behind to beat Valencia 4-2.
This iteration of Barca don't play out calm contests. And Monday was no different. The Blaugrana turned in a poor defensive performance, with just enough attacking quality to make up for their mishaps. Fermin Lopez opened the scoring, the buzzing midfielder rising between two Valencia defenders and heading into the far corner. But chaos soon unfolded. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, so often the epitome of cool in goal, gifted the visitors an equaliser, his attempt to chip Hugo Duro instead leaving the forward a wide-open net to roll the ball into. Ronald Araujo was responsible for the second, giving away a foolish penalty with a mindless lunge - which Pepelu gratefully converted.
But the game soon changed. Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili handled the ball outside the box - and was shown a straight red on the stroke of half time. And the Blaugrana capitalised in the second half. Lewandowski bagged the first shortly after the break, nodded home the second late on, and curled in a wonderful third - a hat-trick that will momentarily delay Real Madrid's title celebrations.
Valencia Robert Lewandowski Ronald Araujo Laliga Barcelona Vs Valencia Player Ratings FEATURES
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