BARCELONA: Robert Lewandowski netted the ball twice, scoring 11 goals in nine games, to put Barcelona on the top of the standings in LaLiga 2022-23.

After a Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich, Polish star and Memphis Depay relieved the Catalan giants as they beat ten-men Elche 3-0 on Saturday in a home game.

The early sent-off of Gonzala Verdu in the 14th minute when he attempted to haul down  Lewandowski put Elche at a disadvantage and opened the floodgates.

Lewandowski hit the opening goal from close range in the 34th minute after an impressive cross from Alejandro Balde, who then assisted Depay four minutes before halftime for the second.

Lewandowski had his second early in the second half to steer Barca into a dominant position in a one-sided game.

Valencia, on the other hand, crushed Celta Vigo 3-0 in a home game thanks to the strikes by Samu Castillejo, Marcos Andre and Andre Almeida.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club edged past Rayo Vallecano after a dominant first-half play and jump to the third on the table.

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