Lewandowski at the double as Barcelona strolls past Valladolid

BARCELONA: Robert Lewandowski scored his second consecutive brace as Barcelona breezed past Real Valladolid with a comfortable 4-0 La Liga victory on Sunday.

It was Barcelona’s second win from three games in the new season. Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele both went close for Barcelona, hitting the post in the first half, but it did not take long for it to open the scoring. Lewandowski stroked home from close range from a perfect Raphinha cross in the 24th minute.

Barcelona extended its lead right before half-time through Pedri, who riffled a curling strike into the top-left corner after a nice pass by Dembele. Lewandowski scored Barcelona’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 Jordi 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.

Benzema’s late brace snatches win for Real

Karim Benzema scored twice in the final few minutes to give Real Madrid a 3-1 win at Espanyol, its third in the first three games of the new season. Real Madrid sits top of the table on nine points, level with Real Betis.

Vinicius Jr. opened the scoring early in the first half with a first-touch finish from a brilliant pass by Aurelien Tchouameni. Real was in control until Joselu levelled from a rebound right before half-time.

Javi Puado almost put the home team in front after collecting a good pass inside the box, but his shot ended up being blocked.

In the 58th, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois pulled off a fantastic one-handed stop to keep out Joselu’s close-range shot.