Lewandowski hat trick gives Barcelona comeback victory over Valencia
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona survived a tricky first half to beat Valencia 4-2 with the help of a second half hat trick from Robert Lewandowski and a red card to Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili on Monday.
On a rainy night in Catalonia, the home side dominated possession but was behind at the break due to two defensive errors.
Fermín López put Barcelona ahead with a lovely glancing header midway through the first half.
Valencia levelled just five minutes later thanks to a woeful intervention from keeper Marc Ter Stegen. He intercepted a long ball 25 yards from his goal but he tried to be too fancy and Hugo Duro easily dispossessed him and ran the ball into the empty net.
Before halftime, Valencia took the lead thanks to another elementary mistake. Ronald Araújo’s mistimed tackle felled Peter Federico in the box and Pepelu coolly converted the spot kick.
Related articles
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil coach Dorival Júnior has replaced injured goalkeeper Ederson with Sao P2024-05-21Ancelotti calls for courage, personality vs. Man City
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti wants his players to show courage and personality when they face M2024-05-21Legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki's new Oscar
Renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's new Oscar-winning animated feature, "The Boy an2024-05-21Messi sustains leg injury in Inter Miami win
Lionel Messi could miss Inter Miami's away Major League Soccer clash against D.C. United on Satu2024-05-21Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
An 'arrogant' doctor who punched a vulnerable patient for making a racist comment and spitting at hi2024-05-21FIS president hails China's skiing, snowboarding potential
International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) president Johan Eliasch has spoken highly of the ra2024-05-21
atest comment