European roundup: Lewandowski and Barça frustrated by Rayo Vallecano

14.08.2022 - 01:51 theguardian.com

Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona debut ended in a goalless home draw against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou in their first La Liga game of the season.

It was a disappointing night for Barca whose fans showed up at an almost sold-out stadium to see their new team headlined by the Poland striker Lewandowski, the twice the Fifa Player of the Year, and the Brazil winger Raphinha.

Barcelona dominated the match with almost 70% of possession and 18 goal attempts against two for Rayo. But the two best chances fell to the visitors, Álvaro García thwarted by a brilliant save by Marc Andre ter Stegen and Sergio Camello shooting wide.

As the frustration mounted for Barça, their captain, Sergio Busquets, lost his cool and was sent off for an elbow to the face of Radamel Falcao in stoppage time.

Boxing Barcelona diving Robert Lewandowski Theo Hernandez Sergio Busquets Stefano Pioli Marc Andre Ante Rebic Davide Calabria Croatia Italy Brazil Poland

Robert Lewandowski continued his strong start with Barcelona by scoring twice for the second game in a row as Jules Kounde made his debut in a 4-0 win over Real Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday. A typical poacher's finish from the Poland star on 24 minutes set Barca on their way before teenage midfielder Pedri added a second on the stroke of half-time at the Camp Nou. Lewandowski struck again just past the hour to make it four goals in three matches since his trumpeted summer arrival from Bayern Munich, with Sergi Roberto netting late on. "To have Lewandowski in your team is a blessing," said Barca coach Xavi Hernandez. "He's an extraordinary player. Spectacular. A natural leader. It's a blessing to have him with us, it's marvellous.

La Liga: Robert Lewandowski's First Barcelona Goal Sees Off Real Sociedad

Robert Lewandowski got off the mark for Barcelona with a double as Ansu Fati starred as a substitute in a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday, while Villarreal won at Atletico Madrid. Poland striker Lewandowski, celebrating his 34th birthday, put Barca ahead inside 50 seconds before Alexander Isak levelled for La Real in San Sebastian. But Fati came off the bench to create goals for Ousmane Dembele and Lewandowski, before completing the scoring himself.

Robert Lewandowski scores twice as Barcelona thrash Real Sociedad

Robert Lewandowski scored a brace as Barcelona cruised to a 4-1 victory at Real Sociedad on Sunday, their first win of the new LaLiga season. Spanish teenage sensation Ansu Fati, who has been struggling to recover after a series of knee surgeries in the last two years, came off the bench in the second half and took charge of the proceedings with two assists and a goal.

Barcelona ratings vs Real Sociedad: Lewandowski 9, Dembele 8, Fati 9

Robert Lewandowski scored a brace as Barcelona cruised to a 4-1 victory at Real Sociedad on Sunday, their first win of the new La Liga season.

Soccer-Lewandowski scores two as Barcelona thrash Real Sociedad

(Reuters) -Robert Lewandowski scored a brace as Barcelona cruised to a 4-1 victory at Real Sociedad on Sunday, their first win of the new LaLiga season.