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August 31, 2024

European Football: Barcelona Dominates Valladolid, Lukaku Saves Napoli – La Liga

In a stunning display of offensive prowess, Raphinha netted the first hat-trick of his career and contributed two assists, leading Barcelona to a commanding 7-0 victory over Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday. This win propels Hansi Flick’s team to the top of the table, boasting a perfect 12 points from four matches, seven points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.

Barcelona showcased their ruthlessness against a Valladolid side that had previously given Madrid a tough challenge. Raphinha opened the scoring alongside Robert Lewandowski, finding the net just four minutes apart with skillful finishes after controlling long balls from Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal. Jules Koundé added to the tally with a header from a corner deep into first-half stoppage time.

In the second half, after Lewandowski struck the post early on, Raphinha showcased his finishing skills again, scoring twice from close range with assists from Lewandowski and Yamal, pushing Barca’s lead to five. He then set up new signing Dani Olmo, who marked his first start for the club with a goal in the 82nd minute despite having already hit the post twice and missed a close-range chance. Barcelona dominated the match, registering 23 shots compared to Valladolid’s five. Ferran Torres capped off the scoring in the 85th minute with another assist from Raphinha, sealing the defeat.

Atlético Madrid Secures Narrow Win, Napoli Stages Dramatic Comeback Atlético Madrid sits in second place, four points behind Barcelona, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, thanks to Ángel Correa’s stoppage-time goal. In a match marked by both teams’ struggles to create clear chances, the breakthrough came two minutes into added time. 

Alexander Sorløth intercepted a pass from defender Iñigo Lekue at midfield. He set up Correa, who skillfully rounded the goalie and placed the ball into an unoccupied net.

Villarreal occupies third place as they head into the international break after securing a 1-1 draw at Valencia, who remain at the bottom of the table despite earning their first point of the season. Valencia’s Hugo Doro opened the scoring, but Ayozé Pérez equalized just before halftime. The visitors held on for the draw after Pape Gueyé received a red card in the second half.

Napoli pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback win in Serie A against promoted Parma, thanks to late goals from Romelu Lukaku and André Zambo Anguissa. Parma, who stunned Milan with a 2-1 victory the previous week, took the lead with a penalty from Ange-Yoan Bonny in the 19th minute.

The match took a dramatic turn when Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was shown a second yellow card for fouling David Neres, forcing defender Enrico Del Prato to become a makeshift goalkeeper with no substitutes. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Parma held firm until the second minute of stoppage time, when Lukaku equalized with a low shot from 12 yards out. Just four minutes later, Zambo Anguissa headed in the winner, igniting jubilant celebrations among the home fans.

Milan is still searching for the first win, and Marseille Tops Ligue 1 AC Milan remains winless after three matches. However, Rafael Leão’s powerful strike salvaged a 2-2 draw against Lazio. 

The Rossoneri initially took the lead when Strahinja Pavlovic headed in after clearing Boulaye Dia’s shot off the line. However, Lazio quickly responded through Taty Castellanos and took the lead with Dia’s close-range finish. Leão equalized in the 72nd minute to secure a point for Milan.

In Ligue 1, Marseille now sits atop the table after Mason Greenwood’s impressive first-half brace propelled them to a 3-1 victory over Toulouse. Greenwood scored twice within a minute, both assisted by Luis Henrique before Frank Magri was sent off for the hosts. Henrique then had a shot deflected in off Charlie Cresswell, extending Marseille’s lead to 3-0. Although Greenwood missed a chance for a hat trick, Shavy Babicka scored a consolation goal for Toulouse.

Nantes occupies second place, thanks to Mostafa Mohamed’s late goal that capped a 3-1 victory at Montpellier. Brest celebrated their first season points in style, dominating Saint-Étienne 4-0 at home, leaving the promoted side at the bottom.

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