OneFootball
Richard Buxton·29 April 2024
OneFootball
Richard Buxton·29 April 2024
Xavi’s first outing since reversing his decision to leave Barcelona threatened to backfire.
The fallen Spanish champions hosted Valencia and took an early lead through Fermín López’s well-taken header.
But things soon unravelled for the Blaugrana as Hugo Duro drew the visitors level after a defensive horror show which began with Marc-André ter Stegen.
The German goalkeeper raced out to clear his lines but scooped his kick into Duro’s path, allowing the forward to roll the ball into an empty net.
Within 11 minutes, Barça found themselves behind as Ronald Araújo hauled down Peter González, leading to Pepelu converting from the penalty spot.
It was the second time Araújo has conceded a spot kick at Montjuïc’s Olympic Stadium after being sent off in the Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
Fortunately, Robert Lewandowski produced a second-half hat-trick to turn the tide back in his side’s favour to reclaim LaLiga’s second spot from Girona.
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