UEFA Champions League: Robert Lewandowski scores stunning Hat-trick as Barcelona thrash Viktoria Plzen

Image Credit – Sun

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to help Barcelona thrash Viktoria Plzen 5-1 at the Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona got their Champions League off to a stunning start with a 5-1 thrashing of Viktoria Plzen

Robert Lewandowski was spectacular in his first Champions League game since making the move from Bayern Munich, scoring a hat-trick to lead Barcelona past Viktoria Plzen.

Barcelona also saw Franck Kessie and Ferran Torres score in an impressive display.

Robert Lewandowski is the 3rd highest scorer in Champions Leauge football

The Polish international has now registered 89 goals in the competition. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (140) and Lionel Messi (125) have managed more.

Head Coach Xavi hails Lewandowski as a winner and leader

“I am running out of praise for him,” Xavi said after the game. “He’s scored a hat trick, but it’s not just that. It’s how he plays and how he makes the team play, finding the third man, reading the space perfectly, pressing…

“I am delighted [with him]. He has been a fantastic signing. He gives us so many solutions in attack, he’s a leader, a winner… [just] a fantastic, fantastic signing.”

“I don’t know if he is the best No.9 in the world, but he is the best No. 9 for us,” Xavi added when asked if there is a better striker in the game than the in-form Lewandowski.

“If he is not the best, he is up there with Benzema and the others, [Erling] Haaland is also there. But, without making comparisons, Robert is spectacular and it is an honor to have him on the team.”

Ferran Torres added Barca’s fifth goal at Camp Nou, latching on to a pass from Ousmane Dembele.

Xavi sees elements of football star Neymar in Torres

“There are not many in football like him, in terms of a pure winger who is very difficult to defend against,” the Barca boss said.

“We have to take advantage of his qualities. He is happy, he’s enjoying himself. He’s an important player who makes the difference, scoring goals, creating… he’s a dagger on the wing.

“The quality he has one-on-one is at the level of Neymar when he’s at his best. He must be more daring and shoot more, but he is a good kid and he’s making the difference in games.”

“It’s soon to say [Barca are back],” Xavi added. “We are very happy with the performance, but it is just three points and one game at home. We still have to go to Munich, to Milan. It’s a difficult group. We must remain humble; this is just getting started.” ( Excerpts via ESPN Football )

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