A timely hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski propelled Barcelona to a come-from-behind 4-2 victory over Valencia on Monday night.
Barcelona, eager to leapfrog Girona into second place, initially took the lead midway through the first half. However, a goalkeeping error and a subsequent penalty saw Valencia surge ahead 2-1 by halftime.
The game took a decisive turn when Giorgi Mamardashvili received a red card, reducing Valencia to ten players. Lewandowski capitalized on the advantage, scoring two opportunistic goals and a brilliant free-kick. His performance was particularly notable amidst ongoing speculation about his future in Catalonia.
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Barcelona’s title aspirations had faded earlier in the season, making Monday’s victory crucial for securing a higher league position after Girona’s win on Saturday.
Despite Barca’s early lead, Valencia threatened with chances of their own. Hugo Duro forced a save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen before capitalizing on a mistake from the goalkeeper to equalize.
Valencia took the lead with a penalty, but Mamardashvili’s red card shifted momentum in Barcelona’s favor. Lewandowski equalized shortly after halftime with a header from Ilkay Gundogan’s corner.
Valencia’s defense struggled against a resurgent Barcelona, with Lewandowski scoring his second goal after Domenech’s error from another corner. The Polish striker completed his hat-trick with a sublime free-kick, securing Barcelona’s second-place position in the league standings behind Real Madrid.