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.

Real saved their perfect start to the season and climbed back to the top of the table on nine points after three games, ahead of Real Betis on goal difference.

Barcelona rose to third, two points further back.

"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.

"He's a model, a born worker. He's humble, he works for the team, he helps the coaching staff, he makes the difference."

At the Camp Nou, Xavi handed Kounde his first start after the club was finally able to register the France defender they signed from Sevilla last month for a reported 50 million euros ($49.8 mn).

Lewandowski hit the post with an early header.

Pedri then spotted the run of Raphinha in behind but the Brazilian was thwarted by goalkeeper Jordi Masip, who was well beaten moments later when Ousmane Dembele's venomous shot clipped the crossbar.

Barca's pressure told after 24 minutes as Raphinha whipped in a teasing cross which a gambling Lewandowski stabbed home.

A marauding Dembele tested Masip from range, and then created the second for Pedri by rolling a perfectly weighted ball for the midfielder to bury on the stroke of half time.

Lewandowsk