The Poland international scored one and provided two assists as Xavi's side ran out comfortable winners in the capital
After struggling through large swathes of this campaign, Robert Lewandowski has come alive of late. And he showed up once again for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, as he had a hand in all three goals as the Blaugrana saw off Diego Simeone's side, 3-0.
The Polish striker scored one, and assisted two – including yet another goal for Joao Felix against his parent club – to help Barca hold onto second place in La Liga.
Felix broke the deadlock in the first half, as he found the bottom corner to cap off a flowing Barca move and showed little hesitation in celebrating in front of the Atleti fans. Barca, though, would have to do without their manager for much of the rest of the night, as Xavi was sent-off moments later after vehemently arguing with the fourth official.
That didn't seem to affect the visitors, however, and Lewandowski made it two after the break, a fine swivel and ping off the post doubling the visitors' advantage. The Polish striker set up the third, too, as his angled cross was eagerly met by Fermin Lopez to put the game beyond Atletico's reach. The home side still threatened, but Marc-Andre Ter Stegen made a series of diving stops to ensure that the lead – and his clean sheet – stayed intact before Nahuel Molina was sent-off in stoppage-time.
Barca remain eight points behind leaders Real Madrid and won't win La Liga this season, but performances have improved since Xavi announced his intent to leave in June, and perhaps that's enough to give this beleaguered side some hope going forward.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Metropolitano…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (8/10):
Made a series of impressive stops to keep Barca ahead. Will take the clean sheet.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Tasked with keeping Lino quiet in the first half – and mostly succeeded. A bit awkward when he had the ball, but made the defensive stuff look easy.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
Immense in the air as he battled with a rotating cast of Atleti strikers. A shaky moment or two, but otherwise a solid performance at the back.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
Yet another impressive showing from the teenager. Morata gave him the occasional problem, but he kept his head, and caught the eye with some of his distribution from deep.
Hector Fort (7/10):
A rare look for the latest La Masia prodigy. Won his duels and looked calm in possession. Another impressive Blaugrana youngster has emerged.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Sergi Roberto (6/10):
Rather bullied in the middle of the park in the first half, less than a week removed from an impressive cameo in the Champions League. Ate up minutes, but isn't the right player for the long-term.
Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):
Provided the midfield drive that led to the Barca opener. Kept things ticking, and always seemed to make the right pass.
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Can't be faulted for his energy in the middle, and took his header wonderfully. Has now scored in back-to-back games – a good thing for a Barca side that lack goals from midfield.
Getty ImagesAttack
Raphinha (7/10):
Set up Lewandowski's goal, and was a real handful all evening. Subbed after an hour as he seemed to have picked up a knock.
Robert Lewandowski (9/10):
Back to his best. His pass ahead of Felix's goal was wonderful – and proved the impetus for an impressive performance. Not a bad finish to give his side a 2-0, either. A delightful cross to Fermin for the third capped off his best showing in months.
Joao Felix (6/10):
Took his goal well and celebrated – albeit mildly – in front of the fans of his parent club. Clattered once or twice for his troubles. Still not entirely convincing.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Lamine Yamal (6/10):
Came on for the last half an hour. Wasn't involved too much.
Oriol Romeu (N/A):
A brief cameo to offer a bit of midfield solidity
Vitor Roque (6/10):
A brief showing. Pace in behind led to Molina's red card.
Inigo Martinez (N/A):
Extra legs at the back.
Marc Casado (N/A):
Handed his La Liga debut.
Xavi (4/10):
Rotated significantly, leaving Yamal on the bench and handing Fort a start. Some of his tactics were odd – not least deploying such a light midfield. Got sent off before half time. Barca were firmly in control after he was shown red – perhaps he should do so more often…