With Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay on the bench, Barcelona started the match very well. Lewandowski could have opened the score early, after heading into the post and coming just short of tapping in on the rebound. Halfway through the first half, it was still a hit for the Pole. Raphina – already dangerous shortly before – gave a sharp cross and Lewandowski tapped in at the far post.
The second goal of the evening was also made before halftime. Pedri dived into the free space and made no mistake on a pass from Ousmane Dembélé. After the break – shortly after De Jong’s substitute – the Frenchman was also the principal at Lewandowski’s second goal. The striker actually wanted to put the ball back on Dembélé, but somewhat fortunately it caromed over the line.
In the final phase, the party got even bigger for Xavi’s team. Sergi Roberto determined the final score at 4-0.
Memphis Depay stayed on the bench. Jules Koundé made his debut just weeks after being bought from Sevilla for €50million by Barcelona. The Catalans only managed to create the necessary financial space this week so that Koundé could be registered for the Spanish football league.
Real Madrid prevent damage due to two late goals Benzema
Real Madrid have prevented the first loss of points in La Liga by two late goals from Karim Benzema. ‘De Koninklijke’ seemed to have to settle for a draw in the away match against Espanyol, but Benzema proved his value in the final phase: 1-3.
Benzema tapped in at the far post at 1-1 in the 88th minute after a measured cross from substitute Rodrygo, who had come into the squad after an hour for Federico Valverde. Deep into injury time, he determined the final score from a free kick.
The free kick was awarded after a foul by keeper Benjamin Lecomte, who was shown a red card. Captain Leandro Cabrera then donned a goalkeeper shirt and took his place under the crossbar. A few seconds later he was already passed by Benzema.
Vinícius Júnior had put Real in the lead after more than 10 minutes by hitting the ball in a controlled manner after a nice through pass from Aurélien Tchouaméni. Just before half time, Joselu equalized by hitting the ball in the second instance. Real-keeper Thibaut Courtois had an answer to Joselu’s first bet, but the attacker got a second chance. Joselu has already scored his seventh goal in nine league games against the Madrilenians.
Real Madrid, like Real Betis, has 9 points after three matches. FC Barcelona and Villarreal follow with 7 points.