Robert Lewandowski played hero to salvage a win despite yet another mistake-ridden Barcelona showing, the Polish striker scored three as his side came from behind to beat Valencia 4-2.

This iteration of Barca don't play out calm contests. And Monday was no different. The Blaugrana turned in a poor defensive performance, with just enough attacking quality to make up for their mishaps.

Fermin Lopez opened the scoring, the buzzing midfielder rising between two Valencia defenders and heading into the far corner. But chaos soon unfolded. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, so often the epitome of cool in goal, gifted the visitors an equaliser, his attempt to chip Hugo Duro instead leaving the forward a wide-open net to roll the ball into. Ronald Araujo was responsible for the second, giving away a foolish penalty with a mindless lunge - which Pepelu gratefully converted.

But the game soon changed. Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili handled the ball outside the box - and was shown a straight red on the stroke of half time. And the Blaugrana capitalised in the second half. Lewandowski bagged the first shortly after the break, nodded home the second late on, and curled in a wonderful third - a hat-trick that will momentarily delay Real Madrid's title celebrations.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium...

Goalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (3/10):

Had an absolute nightmare to gift Valencia the equaliser. Sent the wrong way on the penalty.

Jules Kounde (7/10):

Probably the only Barca defender to equip himself well on the day. Wasn't bullied defensively, and put a shot or two on goal.

Ronald Araujo (4/10):

What a miserable showing. Gave away a silly penalty and didn't cover himself in glory for the Valencia opener, either. Poor throughout.

Pau Cubarsi (5/10):

The one bad showing in Blaugrana so far. His passing was off and he made some silly decisions.

Joao Cancelo (6/10):

Left too much space in behind, but was much improved in his one-on-one defending.

Midfield

Andreas Christensen (6/10):

Held down the base of midfield effectively for 45 minutes.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

The connective tissue in centre-midfield. Went about his work well.

Fermin Lopez (8/10):

A buzzing presence, and Barca's best player for long stretches. Scored a fantastic header. Unlucky to be subbed.

Attack

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

Wonderful on the ball for long stretches, constantly running at defenders and creating chances. A touch or two away from a wonder goal on numerous occasions.

Robert Lewandowski (9/10):

Took his first header well, and his second even better. His free-kick was a lovely thing. Hero.

Raphinha (6/10):

Less effective on the left wing, but can't be faulted for his willingness to run.

Subs & Manager

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

On for Cubarsi at half time. Immediately put in a crunching tackle to save a goal.

Sergi Roberto (5/10):

Active in centre-midfield, even if he didn't offer much in the way of forward passing.

Joao Felix (5/10):

Didn't really make much happen after being introduced.

Pedri (7/10):

Provided a goal-saving tackle within seconds of coming on. Moved the ball elegantly.

Ferran Torres (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (6/10):

Put out his strongest XI, despite Barca's season effectively being over. His team were terrible at the back, but deadly at times going forward - which is kind of their thing. His name was being sung by the home fans at the end of it all.