BARCELONA: Polish striker Robert Lewandowski struck a hat-trick to power the home team to a dominant 4-2 victory over Valencia during their La Liga clash at Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys on Monday.

Barcelona earned three points and edged past Girona to reach second position, only behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

Mid-fielder Fermin Lopez earned the advantage for the home team in 22 minutes as he sent a header into the top corner of the net from near the penalty spot.

However, Valencia’s Hugo Duro levelled the scores four minutes later after an error from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

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Barcelona made another error in the next ten minutes when Ronald Araujo brought down a Valencia forward and conceded a foul.

Valencia earned the penalty and Pepelu successfully converted to put the visitors ahead.

But Valencia lost their goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after he was shown a red card, prompting the visiting team to reshuffle their lineup on the stroke of the first half.

This proved costly as Lewandowski hit the equalizer for Barcelona five minutes into the second half after finding Ilkay Gundogan’s corner. The Polish star hit another header in the 82nd minute to end the stalemate.

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Lewandowski completed his hat trick during injury-time with a free-kick into the top left corner.

“I think the team did well… we lacked calmness, tranquillity, but I’m satisfied with the team’s attitude,” Barcelona boss Xavi said after the match.

Barcelona will play their next La Liga match against third-ranked Girona on 4 May.

Girona are chasing Champions League qualification which they could secure with a victory, which could also hand Madrid the title.

“It’ll be a great game, two teams looking to go on the attack,” said Xavi, whose side lost 4-2 at home against Girona in December.

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