Barcelona turn on the style at Camp Nou for Valladolid victory as Lewandowski nets brace
Barcelona, as expected, dominated right from the off, keeping hold of the ball and creating several chances.
They came incredibly close to opening the scoring when Raphina’s cross into the box was nodded goalwards by Robert Lewandowski, but the ball struck the post and then goalkeeper Jordi Masip before bouncing on the goalline where the Polish striker couldn’t force it in on the stretch.
Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha continued to terrorise the visitors on both wings and the Brazilian’s link-up with Lewandowski produced a goal midway through the half. This time Barca's new number nine managed to prod the ball home on the stretch.
Xavi’s side continued to pepper Masip’s goal and finally bagged a second when Dembele this time was the creator, drifting into the box before laying the ball onto a plate for Pedri, who slotted it in to send them into half-time with a two-goal lead.
The second half continued where the first left off with Barca completely dominating the pitch, playing some superb football at times. Xavi’s stamp on the side was evident as they played with a confidence and swagger that had been missing for a while.
A third was added around the hour mark with Dembele creating once again, but for Lewandowski this time, who produced a moment of sheer class with a back-heeled finish from a tight angle - appreciated by a moment of applause around the Camp Nou.
Pure entertainment was on show in Barcelona as the home side’s silky, skilful football continued to pull the Valladolid defence apart - with Dembele at the heart of it all.
The hosts added a fourth late on in stoppage-time through substitute Sergi Roberto, capping off a fine display.
Victory for Barcelona, and more importantly the brilliant performance, is a positive sign for Xavi as his side continue to improve.
Meanwhile, newcomers to LaLiga, Real Valladolid, remain without a win in their first three games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
Check out all the stats from Barca's victory with Flashscore.
