Barcelona's good start to the league campaign was confirmed and increased in the first half of their matchday four fixture with Valladolid. Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 20th minute and, just four minutes later, Robert Lewandowski made it 2-0.
Lamine Yamal had barely crossed the dividing line between the two halves when he spotted the No.9's clearance. Between two of the three centre-backs, the Pole held offside and slipped in to find himself alone in front of the visiting keeper.
Yamal's left-footed ball found its way to Lewandowski's right instep as his opponents called for a foul. The striker not only settled the ball but also produced a perfect, angled control that allowed him to make up for a wasted second by slowing down to wait for the ball to drop.
The current top goalscorer in La Liga let the ball run and, with his left foot, shot low and slightly on target, but with enough power to prevent Karl Hein from parrying the ball. The ball went through the legs of the Valladolid goalkeeper, who was unable to prevent the Pole's fourth goal.
Jules Kounde added his side's third from inside the box just after several rebounds before the break following a corner-kick taken by Raphinha.
August 31, 2024