Barcelona emphatically returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League group stage, thrashing Swiss side Young Boys 5-0 at the Camp Nou.
The Catalans were in cruise control from the first whistle, leading 3-0 at half-time and adding two more goals in the second half to wrap up a dominant performance.
Hansi Flick’s side, who lost their opening match 2-1 to AS Monaco, needed a win to climb the group standings. Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 8th minute, tapping in a cross from winger Raphinha after a slick passage of play involving teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Despite missing several chances following Lewandowski’s opener, Barça soon tripled their lead before the break. Raphinha prodded home a rebound in the 32nd minute, and defender Inigo Martinez powered a header into the net from a corner just before half-time.
Lewandowski added his second of the night in the 58th minute, heading in from another corner to make it 4-0. An own goal from Young Boys’ defender Mohammed Camara in the 75th minute compounded the visitors’ misery.
Lewandowski’s brace further cements his status as one of the most clinical forwards in Champions League history. He now boasts a scoring rate of 0.79 goals per 90 minutes, a figure matched only by Lionel Messi and surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s rate of 0.77 goals per 90 minutes.
Young Boys, who have now conceded eight goals without reply in their first two group matches, will be desperate to pick up points and goals in their next game against Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will be looking ahead to their highly anticipated clash with Bayern Munich in the third round of the group stage, a fixture that brings back memories of their famous 8-2 victory over the Bavarians.
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