Robert Lewandowski hit a second-half hat-trick to power Barcelona to an entertaining 4-2 win over 10-man Valencia on Monday in La Liga. The champions' victory denies leaders Real Madrid the chance to take the crown by simply beating Cadiz next Saturday. Los Blancos are 11 points clear of Barcelona with five matches remaining. Fermin Lopez sent the hosts ahead before Valencia striker Hugo Duro levelled and Pepelu netted from the spot to turn the game round. Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was sent off late in the first half for handball and Lewandowski equalised soon after the break before adding another two late on.
FC Barcelona cruised to victory thanks to Robert Lewandowski's second-half hat-trick after Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was sent off.
The hosts, who are on the cusp of relinquishing the LaLiga title to Real Madrid despite the victory, took the lead when Fermin Lopez struck.
Hudo Duro soon levelled then Pepelu's penalty gave Valencia the lead.
But they had Mamardashvili sent off just before half-time and the 35-year-old Poland striker took full advantage.
Lewandowski equalised early in the second half with a header then nodded in a rebound before getting his third from a free-kick in added time.
Barcelona remain second in La Liga, 11 points behind Real Madrid with five games remaining.
Valencia stay eighth and face a battle to qualify for Europe next season as they lie four points behind sixth-place Real Sociedad.
