Aug 28 (Reuters) – Robert Lewandowski scored his second consecutive brace as Barcelona breezed past Real Valladolid with a comfortable 4-0 LaLiga victory on Sunday.
It was Barca’s second win from three games in the new season and moved them up to second in the table with seven points, two behind leaders Real Betis and provisionally one ahead of Real Madrid, who face Espanyol later on Sunday.
Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele both went close for Barca, hitting the post in the first half, but it did not take long for them to open the scoring, as Lewandowski stroked home from close range from a perfect Raphinha cross to the far post in the 24th minute.
Barcelona extended their lead right before halftime through Pedri, who riffled a curling strike into the top-left corner after a nice pass by Dembele from the right touchline.
Lewandowski scored Barca’s third in the 65th minute, with a brilliant back-heel that deflected off a defender before beating goalkeeper Jordi Masip.
The Poland striker had a golden opportunity to complete a hat-trick in added time, but Masip made a great stop to keep out his close range shot.
Substitute Sergi Roberto, however, was in the right place at the right time to strike home the rebound and wrap up the points. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas Editing by Toby Davis)