UCL: Rashford double powers Barcelona’s 6-1 demolition of Olympiacos
Fermin Lopez scored a sensational hat-trick, while Marcus Rashford netted twice as Barcelona thrashed Olympiacos 6–1 on Tuesday night to return to winning ways in the UEFA Champions League.
After a disappointing loss to Paris Saint-Germain in their previous European fixture, Hansi Flick’s men bounced back in style, with Lamine Yamal also on target in a dominant display that lifted the Catalan giants to third in their group.
Lopez struck twice in the first half to give Barcelona control before Ayoub El Kaabi pulled one back from the penalty spot for the Greek champions. However, Olympiacos midfielder Santiago Hezze’s red card opened the floodgates as Barca, missing key players including Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, ran riot.
Rashford, who has struggled for form in recent weeks, looked rejuvenated and added a well-taken brace, while Lopez completed his hat-trick to seal a morale-boosting victory ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid.
“I’m very happy, we needed a win like this,” Lopez told Movistar after the match. “We ended it feeling good, and now it’s time to think about the Clasico. I’m grateful to the team and want to continue in this dynamic.”
Despite a nervy start, with Daniel Podence testing Wojciech Szczesny early on after a mistake by Alejandro Balde, Barcelona soon found their rhythm. Balde made amends with a surging run that set up Yamal’s chance, which Lopez converted from close range to open the scoring.
With the Clasico looming, Flick will be encouraged by the attacking brilliance of Lopez and Rashford, though defensive lapses still remain a concern for the injury-hit side.
