Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski scored a second-half hat-trick to help his side to a hard-fought 4-2 win over Valencia, who led 2-1 when they went down to 10 men just before the break.
Fermin Lopez headed in Raphinh’s cross to put Barcelona ahead in the 22nd minute, but Valencia’s Hugo Duro struck in the 27th minute and Pepelu scored from the spot after a foul by Ronald Araujo 11 minutes later to put the visitors ahead.
But after Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was red-handed before the break for a handball outside the box, Xavi’s side dominated and Robert Lewandowski scored twice from corners in the 49th and 82nd minutes before securing a treble in extra-time with a free-kick.
The win delayed Real Madrid’s almost inevitable La Liga title celebrations by several weeks as Carlo Ancelotti’s side sit top of the table with 84 points.
Barcelona moved back into second place in La Liga on Monday with 73 points, leapfrogging surprise package Girona, who are third with 71. The two teams meet in a Catalan derby on Saturday.
Data analysis
Barcelona conceded two goals in the first half of a home game for the second time this season, having also done so against Girona in La Liga in December 2023.
However, Robert Lewandowski’s goals have been invaluable for La Blaugrana this season as he has taken 17 points with his 16 goals in the league.
