Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona impress against Real Sociedad, but did Ousmane Dembélé escape red card?

22.08.2022 - 15:55 edition.cnn.com

By Ben Morse, CNNUpdated 1106 GMT (1906 HKT) August 22, 2022 Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring Barcelona's third goal against Real Sociedad.(CNN)Robert Lewandowski and his new Barcelona teammates showed how dangerous they might be this season with a thumping 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday, but it wasn't without controversy.

Lewandowski, signed from Bayern Munich this summer, scored his first Barça goal in the opening minute of the game, only for Alexander Isak to equalize five minutes later.

With the scores level, France international Ousmane Dembélé appeared to catch Sociedad defender Aihen Muñoz in the face with his elbow.

Dembélé avoided a red card and, in a cruel twist of fate, scored Barcelona's second goal of the game after a sumptuous backheel assist from substitute Ansu Fati.

Barcelona Sevilla Robert Lewandowski Alexander Isak Jules Kounde France

Barcelona manager Xavi hailed "extraordinary" Robert Lewandowski after the Polish striker scored twice in the 4-0 La Liga victory over Real Valladolid on Sunday evening.

Barcelona ratings vs Valladolid: Lewandowski 9, Dembele 8, Kounde 7

Robert Lewandowski scored his second consecutive brace as Barcelona breezed past Real Valladolid with a comfortable 4-0 La Liga victory on Sunday.

Robert Lewandowski bags double as Barcelona down Valladolid

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 Bags Double For Barcelona, Karim Benzema Strikes Late For Real Madrid

Veteran star strikers Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema both hit doubles on Sunday in contrasting victories for Barcelona and La Liga leaders Real Madrid. Lewandowski scored twice for the second game in a row as Jules Kounde made his debut in Barcelona's 4-0 cruise past Valladolid. Later, Real Madrid struggled for 88 minutes at Espanyol. With the scores tied and time running out, Benzema put Real ahead before sealing a 3-1 victory after 10 eventful added minutes.

Robert Lewandowski at the double again as Barcelona rout Real Valladolid

Robert Lewandowski scored his second consecutive double as Barcelona breezed past Real Valladolid with a comfortable 4-0 La Liga victory at Camp Nou.