Robert Lewandowski shines in a match marked by a string of blunders | Sports

The Catalans took the lead already in the 22nd minute, when Fermin Lopez headed the ball into the goal with a technical kick.

But just five minutes later, Valencia equalized the result – a rough mistake at their own goal and the ball was lost by Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Hugo Duro directed the ball into an empty net.

The home team’s situation worsened in the 37th minute, when a penalty was awarded for Ronaldo Araujo’s foul in the penalty area, and Pepelu confidently executed it and put the guests ahead.

A ray of hope for the Catalans was lit already during the added time of the half, when Giorgis Mamardashvilis, the goalkeeper of “Valencia”, made a rude mistake. Kartvel played a handball outside the penalty area and was forced to leave the field after earning a red card.

Robert Lewandowski took advantage of the quantitative lead in the second half.

The Pole scored in the 49th and 82nd minutes with a header from a corner kick to give Barcelona the lead.

He added another goal already in the added time – R. Lewandowski fantastically realized the free kick and by achieving the first “hat-trick” of the season secured the victory of his team.

The Pole already has 16 goals this season in La Liga and has moved up to the top five scorers in the tournament. Ukrainian Artiomas Dovbykas of “Girona” leads with 19 goals.

Despite the victory, Barca retains only theoretical hopes of defending the championship title. The Catalans have 73 points and are 11 points behind leaders Real Madrid. There are only five rounds left until the end of the championship, so the Whites, who have a head-to-head advantage over the Catalans, only need 4 points in five games.