Fermin Lopez hat-trick inspires Barcelona’s 6-1 rout

Fermin Lopez hat-trick and Marcus Rashford’s brace power Barcelona to a 6-1 thrashing of Olympiacos in the Champions League

Fermin Lopez hat-trick guided Barcelona to a resounding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos on Tuesday night, with Marcus Rashford adding two more to get the Catalan giants firmly back on track in the Champions League.

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Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal also found the net for Hansi Flick’s side, who bounced back emphatically after their recent defeat to holders Paris Saint Germain.

Despite being without Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and several other regulars, Barcelona produced a commanding performance in Athens to move provisionally third in their group.

The visitors, however, were made to sweat early on. Alejandro Balde’s misplaced pass gifted Daniel Podence a golden chance, forcing Wojciech Szczesny into a smart low save.

Balde soon redeemed himself by sparking the move that led to Barca’s opener — his pass released Yamal, whose blocked effort fell kindly for Lopez to bundle home.

Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, looked sharp throughout and tested Olympiacos keeper Konstantinos Tzolakis with a free-kick before Lopez doubled Barcelona’s lead after 39 minutes, finishing coolly from Dro Fernandez’s clever assist on his Champions League debut.

Olympiacos briefly threatened a comeback when Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi converted a penalty following a handball by Eric Garcia.

Yet their hopes were short-lived as Santiago Hezze was dismissed for a second yellow card, leaving the Greek champions exposed.

Yamal calmly converted from the spot after Rashford was tripped in the box, before the Englishman netted twice in six blistering minutes to complete the rout.

Both finishes were clinical, low drives into the near post — taking his tally to four Champions League goals this season.

Lopez completed his powerful hat-trick in between Rashford’s goals, sealing a memorable night for the 20-year-old midfielder.

With El Clásico against Real Madrid looming on Sunday, Flick’s men could not have asked for a better confidence boost.

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Despite lingering defensive frailties, Barcelona’s attacking verve returned in full force, offering fans renewed hope in their European campaign.

Quadri Olaitan