Player ratings as Lewandowski silences critics with match-winning hat-trick

A timely hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski helped Barcelona come from behind to beat ten-player Valencia 4-2 on Monday night.

Looking to jump past Girona into second, Barca went ahead midway through the first half but a goalkeeping howler and a penalty had the visitors 2-1 up by half-time.

However, Giorgi Mamardashvili’s red card changed the game and two poacher’s efforts as well as a brilliant free-kick from Lewandowski, whose future has dominated headlines in Catalonia over the past few weeks, earned Xavi’s side victory.

How the game unfolded

Barca‘s title hopes had been all but extinguished earlier in the campaign, with Xavi’s squad needing victory on Monday night just to move into second after Girona’s win on Saturday.

However, the sloppy hosts gave away two excellent chances before coming up with the opener themselves. Hugo Duro forced a save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Peter Gonzalez’s cross before the young winger was sent through on goal by Mamardashvili, but he could only scuff his shot horribly to let Barca off the hook.

Instead, the Catalan giants went ahead as nice link-up play between Joao Cancelo and Raphinha saw the Brazilian whip in a devilish ball for Fermin Lopez to nod in.

But the joy of going ahead was short-lived for the hosts as a major clanger from Ter Stegen handed Valencia a lifeline. A hopeful punt forward should have been gathered by the Germany international, but he instead skewed an attempted chip which allowed Duro to collect possession and roll the equaliser into an empty net.

It got worse soon after as the visitors earned a penalty from another long ball forward. Peter was clattered by Ronald Araujo, allowing Pepelu to fire in from the spot.

Needing a response, Barca went close as Cancelo’s strike was beaten away by Mamardashvili before Araujo hit the bar with a header. Despite trailing at half-time, their cause was handed a major boost when Georgian goalie Mamardashvili, having taken an awfully heavy touch, handled the ball outside the area when Lamine Yamal was set to round him and score.

That dismissal was well and truly the turning point as Barca levelled soon after the interval. Lewandowski’s future has been a major story in recent weeks but he provided a reminder of his talents by rattling in a second-half treble.

Ilkay Gundogan picked up his seventh La Liga assist of the campaign as his in-swinging corner was met by the Polish striker, who flicked a header into the far corner.

Replacement goalie Jaume Domenech was on hand…