Barcelona showcased their Champions League credentials with a dominant 5-0 victory over Young Boys at the Nou Camp. The performance was led by Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice, and Raphinha, who both scored and assisted in a comprehensive team display.
Lewandowski opened the scoring after just eight minutes, demonstrating his predatory instincts by converting Raphinha’s cross at the far post.
This goal marked a significant milestone for the Polish striker, as he became only the second player in Champions League history to score 50 or more goals after turning 30, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in this elite club.
Lewandowski’s brace brought his total Champions League tally to 96 goals, further cementing his status as one of the competition’s most prolific scorers.
Raphinha doubled Barcelona’s lead, showcasing his opportunism by netting the rebound from Pedri’s blocked shot. The Brazilian winger was in exceptional form throughout the match, registering six shots and providing six key passes, constantly troubling the Young Boys’ defence.
Barcelona’s dominance continued with Inigo Martinez adding a third goal, heading in from Pedri’s precise free-kick delivery. The onslaught didn’t stop there, as Lewandowski scored his second early in the second half, capitalizing on another Martinez header across goal.
Young Boys’ misfortune was compounded when Mohamed Ali Camara turned Alejandro Balde’s cross into his own net, making it 5-0.
The Swiss champions did have a moment of hope when Joel Monteiro’s strike hit the crossbar, and they thought they had scored a consolation goal in stoppage time, only for it to be ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
This performance marked a significant improvement for Barcelona following their 2-1 loss to Monaco in their previous Champions League outing.
The La Liga leaders displayed the kind of form that will make them formidable opponents in the competition, with their attack looking particularly sharp.
For Young Boys, this defeat follows their 3-0 loss to Aston Villa in their opening game, leaving them without a point in the group stage so far. The result highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides and the challenges facing the Swiss champions at this level of European competition.
Barcelona’s emphatic win not only boosts their position in the group but also sends a strong message to their Champions League rivals about their ambitions in the tournament this season.
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