Lewandowski’s 23rd league goal
Spanish champions FC Barcelona are out of breath after winning the title prematurely in the final league sprint. Coach Xavi’s team lost 3-1 (2-0) to relegation-threatened Real Valladolid on Tuesday night and thus also lost the second game after the championship celebration. Valladolid have exited the relegation zone for now with their eleventh win of the season and are now 17th in the table.
An own goal from Andreas Christensen’s header (2′) and a converted penalty from Cyle Larin (22′) quickly gave the hosts the advantage. Eric Garcia previously knocked Real forward Gonzalo Plata into the penalty area. After that, Barcelona had three chances in a row, but Robert Lewandowski (32nd) also narrowly missed the goal. Gonzalo Plata made it 3-0 in the 73rd minute, Lewandowski at least scored the consolation goal in the 84th minute. Overall, the Catalans had a lot more chances in the first half but didn’t take advantage of them. It was Lewandowski’s 23rd goal and another step towards ‘pichichi’ for the league’s top scorer.
Golden Boot: The current status of Europe’s most successful goalscorers
In the second half, Xavi brought in substitute goalkeeper Iñaki Peña for German national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Barca put the pressure back on the offensive but missed the final punch until Lewandowski’s late goal. « It’s difficult to prepare for these games when the objective is already achieved. The goals conceded came from two errors, the result is fair for Valladolid. It became clear which team needed it the most, » said Xavi ( quoted via « barcawelt.de »). Raphinha agreed: « Valladolid fought relegation and showed it today. We lacked character, intensity and greed and the will to win. We need to finish the season strong now and show what we have. allowed us to stand out during the season.
To the home page
