Barcelona’s resilience shone through as they overcame a determined ten-man Valencia 4-2, courtesy of Robert Lewandowski’s second-half brace at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Monday.
Despite early chances for the visitors, it was Barcelona who struck first blood as Raphinha’s pinpoint cross found Fermín López, who nodded home to give the hosts the lead in the 22nd minute.
However, Barcelona’s joy was short-lived as Marc-André ter Stegen’s error gifted Valencia an equaliser just moments later.
Hugo Duro capitalised on Ter Stegen’s misjudged clearance to level the scores before the Los Ches took the lead after Ronald Araújo’s foul on Peter Gonzalez allowed Pepelu to convert from the spot.
The drama continued into the second half as Valencia were reduced to ten men after Mamardashvili’s reckless challenge against Lamine Yamal earned him a red card.
Buoyed by their numerical advantage, Barcelona wasted no time in asserting their dominance—İlkay Gündoğan’s corner found Robert Lewandowski, whose flicked header restored parity for the hosts in the 49th minute.
With momentum on their side, the Catalan giants pressed forward relentlessly, with substitute goalkeeper Jaume Doménech subsequently denying Araújo, Jules Koundé, and João Félix.
As the clock ticked down, Barça found their breakthrough once again from a Gündoğan corner. Doménech’s failed clearance fell to Lewandowski, who nodded in his second of the night to put Barcelona back in front.
The Polish striker completed his hat-trick in style, curling a sublime free-kick beyond Doménech to seal the victory for Barcelona in the game’s last minutes.
It’s a significant victory for Barcelona who leapfrogged Girona into second place a few days after Xavi revealed his decision to stay at the club
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