In a thrilling La Liga encounter, Robert Lewandowski’s second-half hat-trick steered Barcelona to a 4-2 victory against a 10-man Valencia team on Monday.
Barcelona’s win thwarted Real Madrid’s opportunity to clinch the league title by defeating Cadiz in their next match.
Real Madrid remains 11 points ahead with five games left in the season.
The match began with Fermin Lopez putting Barcelona in the lead, only for Hugo Duro to equalize and Pepelu to score a penalty, giving Valencia a temporary lead.
Valencia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili received a red card for a handball offense just before halftime, setting the stage for Lewandowski’s equalizer shortly after the interval, followed by two more goals later in the game.
Persistent rain in Barcelona led to a sparse attendance at the Olympic Stadium, with only 30,000 fans braving the weather, possibly also influenced by the previous weekend’s Clasico loss and the unpopular Monday night fixture.
Despite the rescheduling of the game with short notice, those present were treated to an unexpectedly lively match, marking a victorious moment for Barca coach Xavi Hernandez after his decision to continue leading the team next season.
Xavi expressed contentment with the team’s performance, stating, “We lacked calmness, tranquility, but I’m satisfied with the team’s attitude,” in a post-match interview with DAZN.
Valencia, aiming for a spot in European competitions next season, initially posed a threat with early opportunities.
Barcelona’s lead was established by Lopez’s header from Raphinha’s cross, but a mistake by Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen allowed Valencia to level the score.
Ter Stegen’s misjudged clearance was capitalized on by Duro, who managed to score despite pressure from Ronald Araujo.
Araujo’s subsequent penalty concession allowed Valencia’s Pepelu to put his team ahead, but the dynamic shifted when Valencia’s goalkeeper Mamardashvili was sent off for handling the ball outside the box.
Barcelona seized the advantage early in the second half with Lewandowski’s header from a corner kick, initiating their comeback.
The match saw intense back-and-forth action, with substitute goalkeeper Jaume Domenech making crucial saves for Valencia, and Barcelona’s Pedri executing a critical tackle to prevent a goal.
Lewandowski eventually secured Barcelona’s lead with a close-range header and completed his hat-trick with a precisely executed free-kick during stoppage time, marking his 16th league goal.
