The Poland striker became just the third player to score 100 goals in the competition as Hansi Flick's side ran out easy winners in the end
Barcelona came into Tuesday's game against Brest with some fresh wounds from the weekend, having thrown away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Celta Vigo in La Liga. Now up against the Champions League's surprise package they needed to get back to winning ways, and they did, securing a 3-0 victory over their French visitors.
Barca turned in a controlled, professional performance, dominating possession while allowing Robert Lewandowski to bring up his Champions League century, while also seeing the best of what summer signing Dani Olmo has to offer.
It was Lewandowski who opened the scoring for Barcelona, finishing from the penalty spot after being fouled by Marco Bizot in the area. Barca dominated territory throughout the half, but Bizot stood up well to their chances, making one particularly good save from a Fermin Lopez header before the interval.
After the restart, Olmo had an effort cleared off the line, and Bizot continued to impress in goal. In the end, it took some magic from Olmo to finally find a way through and add Barca's second, as he dribbled around his marker after a fine cut-back from Gerard Martin and finished calmly. To finish as he did, in one fluid movement, was exceptional from the former RB Leipzig man.
Barca should have had a third with six minutes to go, as a loose ball out from defence found Pablo Torre on the edge of Brest's box, but his resulting shot was wild and did not trouble the goalkeeper. Instead, it was Lewandowski who added the finishing touch with a fine strike into the bottom corner in injury-time.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys…
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Inaki Pena (6/10):
Barely had anything to do. Did have to pick the ball out of the net, but Brest were offside.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Got forward constantly, linking well with Olmo. Made more than one chance and clearly enjoys the freedom afforded to him by Flick.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
He's just so rarely in trouble. He never gives the ball away, dominates in the air and it's almost impossible to dribble around him. Another outstanding performance, and one that belies his age.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Where Cubarsi is the air support, Martinez is the boots on the ground infantry, and he swept up with minimal fuss.
Gerard Martin (7/10):
A really strong full-back performance. Was rarely worried and took care of the ball with great effect. Fine assist for Olmo's glorious goal.
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Marc Casado (6/10):
Never out of position and so rarely gives the ball away. Did get dribbled past more than once, but his on-ball ability hid most of his flaws.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
So industrious. Always showing for the ball and trying to unpick the defence. Forced an excellent save from Bizot with a powerful header. Unlucky not to score before his substitution.
Pedri (7/10):
Lovely chipped ball into Lewandowski led to Barca's penalty. An orchestrator in midfield and not against mucking in defensively, either.
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Raphinha (7/10):
Fizzing with energy consistently, trying to get at Brest. Couldn't turn it into a goal contribution, but a lively display.
Robert Lewandowski (9/10):
Scored his 100th Champions League goal from the penalty spot and rounded off the rout with a calm finish in injury-time. Almost laid on a glorious assist with a no-look back-heel. A swaggering performance from a striker well aware he is still at his peak.
Dani Olmo (8/10):
Developing a nice understanding with Lewandowski. Saw a volleyed effort cleared off the line before scoring a gorgeous goal, beating his defender and finishing superbly. A promising, exciting performance.
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Gavi (6/10):
On for Olmo. Building his fitness, but some lovely touches.
Alejandro Balde (6/10):
On for Martin. Slotted in and saw the game out at left-back, providing a nice assist for Lewandowski's second.
Pablo Torre (5/10):
On for Fermin. Slashed at a huge chance, sending it wide after being gifted the opportunity to score Barca's third.
Frenkie de Jong (N/A)
On for Pedri with minutes to go.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
Another satisfactory evening for the Barca boss. They remain one of the best teams to watch in Europe, with a spine filled with real quality as well as youth. It could have been more comfortable, but Flick will have been delighted with this display, especially as he continues to build up the fitness of Gavi, and rotate the likes of Olmo and Pedri.