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Robert Lewandowski scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season as Barcelona thumped Sevilla 5-1 to go three points clear at the top of La Liga.
The Poland international scored from the spot in the 24th minute after Raphinha was fouled in the box. Pedri then walloped in a blistering strike from range four minutes later.
Lewandowski was in the right place at the right time to divert Raphinha’s shot into the corner six minutes from half time as the Blaugrana blew away the sorry visitors. Barca rang the changes in the second half and that took the intensity somewhat out of the game, before substitute Pablo Torre’s deflected effort eight minutes from time made it 4-0.
Sevilla grabbed a consolation through the fast-breaking Stanis Idumbo in the 87th minute but Barca restored their four-goal cushion a minute later when Torre’s free-kick fizzed into the goal. The result means they maintain their three-point lead over bitter rivals Madrid.
GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (7/10):
The big question was who was going to start in goal: Pena or new signing Wojciech Szczesny? The former was selected but all he had to do was pick the ball out of his net near the end.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
The France international was solid enough at the back and got forward at every opportunity.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
Pulled off some good tackles at the back and kickstarted an attack that would have been a goal-of-the-season contender. However, was lucky Isaac Romero was offside as he clumsily took out the attacker in his own box. Was caught out for Sevilla’s consolation, too.
Inigo Martinez (8/10):
Was the more solid of the defenders in Barca’s backline. He looked calm and composed when required.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Was up against the tricky Dodi Lukebakio and didn’t have it all his own way. But always looks a threat going forward.
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Getty ImagesMidfield
Marc Casado (7/10):
Was busy and energetic throughout. His side dominated the midfield battle and that was partly down to his industriousness.
Pedri (8/10):
Bossed the midfield and took his goal in spectacular fashion. A really encouraging display for the 21-year-old.
Raphinha (8/10):
The captain played in a more central role as Eric Garcia was injured in the warm-up, albeit he roamed all over the place. The Brazilian took to the attacking midfielder position with ease and had a swagger about him all night.
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AFPAttack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Wasn’t quite in top gear but the 17-year-old didn’t need to be. Showed flashes of brilliance but wasn’t at his very best.
Robert Lewandowski (9/10):
The arch poacher showed off his clinical edge once again in an impressive all-round display. There are no signs of slowing down for the 36-year-old.
Ansu Fati (5/10):
The former Brighton loanee made his first Barcelona start since May 2023 and it showed as he was off the pace and his touch let him down. Missed a big chance to score his first goal in nearly 18 months as very little went right for him.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Had some nice touches when he came on.
Pau Victor (7/10):
Looked lively off the bench.
Pablo Torre (8/10):
Remarkably scored two goals off the bench in the space of six minutes.
Gavi (7/10):
Got one of the biggest cheers of the night as he returned to the field after 11 months out injured. Flew into a tackle straight away!
Gerard Martin (N/A):
Didn’t have much time to make an impact.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
After a patient opening, his Barca side went through the gears to blow away Sevilla in the first half. He managed the minutes of some of his key players well ahead of a big Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
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