Veteran star forwards Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema each scored twice in Sunday’s contrasting victories for Barcelona and La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
Lewandowski scored twice for the second straight game in Barcelona’s 4-0 thrashing of Valladolid, and Jules Kounde made his professional debut.
Later, Real Madrid and Espanyol engaged in an 88-minute battle. When the clock was running out and the score was tied, Benzema gave Real the lead, and after 10 thrilling extra minutes, Real prevailed 3-1.
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Real maintained its perfect start to the season after three games and reclaimed the top spot in the standings with nine points, moving ahead of Real Betis on goal differential.
Barça’s Lewandowski Scores a Brace, but Real Madrid’s Benzema Saves the Day:
Xavi gave Kounde his first start at the Camp Nou after the team successfully registered the France defender they had purchased from Sevilla last month for a stunning 50 million euros ($49.8 mn).
Early on, Lewandowski’s header hit the post. Jordi Masip was soundly beaten by Pedri, who had earlier seen Raphinha racing in behind and set to score, when Ousmane Dembele’s ferocious strike hit the crossbar.
After 24 minutes, Barca’s pressure paid off as Lewandowski slammed home a risky teaser cross that Raphinha had whipped in.
Before helping set up Pedri’s second goal just before halftime, marauding Dembele attempted Masip from a distance.
Lewandowski nearly put the game beyond reach in the 64th minute when, after receiving a pass from Dembele, he masterfully backheeled past Masip with a deflection from Joaquin Fernandez.
Valladolid was denied by Oscar Plano’s superb save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Kounde’s extended leg on the line to thwart Roque Mesa’s follow-up attempt.