Kathmandu: Robert Lewandowski struck twice as a hurting Barcelona flexed their muscles to thrash Villarreal 3-0 and stay three points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Thursday.
After Sunday’s Clasico defeat and virtual elimination from the Champions League, the Catalans and coach Xavi Hernandez were desperate to prove a point at Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski scored two goals and Ansu Fati scored one goal.
Barcelona scored three goals in the space of 8 minutes in the first half. Lewandowski has completed 601 goals.
With the win, Barcelona has 25 points in 10 games. Real Madrid at the top has 28 points. Defeated Villarreal is in ninth place with 15 points.