Yamal and Lopez make history as Barcelona thrash Olympiacos 6–1 ahead of El Clasico | OneFootball

Barcelona returned to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League, beating Olympiacos 6-1 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday evening.

Olympiacos should have taken the lead in the first minute, but were denied by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s world-class save.

Barcelona opened the scoring in the seventh minute as Fermin Lopez showed great composure to find the back of the net from close range.

Three minutes later, Marcus Rashford looked to extend the lead, striking a shot from outside the area, which went off target.

After much pressure from Barcelona, the visitors finally registered their first attempt in the 20th minute when Dani Garcia’s effort was blocked by Marc Casado.

Lopez doubled Barcelona’s advantage in the 39th minute. He received a pass from debutant Dro Fernandez, beat his markers, and struck the ball home.

According to OptaJose, Lopez has become the first Spaniard to score a brace for Barcelona in the Champions League since Cristian Tello did the same for the club in 2012.

Ayoub El Kaabi pulled one back for Olympiacos in the 56th minute, but a red card to Santiago Hezze ended the visitors’ chance of staging a comeback and allowed momentum to swing fully in Barcelona’s favour.

Lamine Yamal made it 3-1 in the 68th minute from the penalty spot, becoming the second-youngest player to score a penalty in the Champions League’s history.

Marcus Rashford extended Barcelona’s lead in the 74th minute with a precise low strike.

Two minutes later, Lopez scored again, making history as the first Spanish player to score a hat-trick for Barcelona in the competition.

Rashford completed the scoring as Barcelona ran out 6–1 winners.

The victory could serve as the perfect preparation for Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s El Classico with Real Madrid.