Aubameyang Scores Hat-Trick, Fires Barcelona Into Top Four

Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first hat-trick for Barcelona as Xavi’s men moved back into La Liga’s top four after beating Valencia 4-1 at the Mestalla stadium in Spain.

Barcelona stared with Aubameyang in attack, supported by Ferran Torres and Ousmane Dembele on the flanks. Valencia had Hugo Duro and Goncalo Guedes up front as the looked to cause an upset.

Aubameyang netted his first goal for the visitors in the 23rd, racing onto Jordi Alba’s pass before hammering home at goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili’s near post.

Barcelona continued to pile on the pressure, and shortly after they were rewarded with a second. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong tapped in a second to give the visitors a commanding half-time lead.

Aubameyang’s scored his second from close range in the 38th minute to make it 3-0 courtesy of an assist from Gavi.

Valencia’s Carlos Soler scored a goal for the hosts as they looked to find their way back into the match in the 52nd minute.

However, Substitute Pedri appeared to have scored Barcelona’s fourth but his powerful 25-yard shot glanced Aubameyang’s back on its way in.

The goal was initially given to Pedri, but was later awarded to Aubameyang.

The win lifted Barcelona into fourth place on 42 points from 24 games, tied with Atletico who are fifth on goal difference. Real Madrid top the table with 57 points.

“We are beginning to find that efficiency that we were lacking earlier in the season,” captain Sergio Busquets said after the match.

“I hope Aubameyang is that one piece that we were missing up front. He is a great player that arrived hungry because he was not getting many opportunities at his last club. It is a luxury having him in our team.”

HIGHLIGHTS | @Auba and @Pedri shine in convincing @FCBarcelona triumph at Mestalla! ⚡️

🎬 #ValenciaBarça pic.twitter.com/Q8SH4T0Gna

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 20, 2022

La Liga results

Espanyol 1-1 Sevilla

Valencia 1-4 Barcelona

Real Betis 2-1 Mallorca

Athletic Bilbao 4-0 Real Sociedad

Chidi Nwoke/Barcelona.