Hansi Flick 'can see a different Robert Lewandowski' after historic hat-trick on return from injury in Barcelona win as Marcus Rashford grabs assists

Robert Lewandowski became the third-oldest player in the 21st century to score a hat-trick in La Liga, and at 37 years of age, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick feels that he can see a "different" version of the striker. The striker marked his return to the starting line-up after injury in style, as Barca sealed a comfortable win over Celta Vigo to close the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid.

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Robert Lewandowski netted three goals as Barcelona beat Celta Vigo 4-2 on Sunday, and Hansi Flick feels he "can see a different" version of the striker.

The 37-year-old veteran - who became the third-oldest player in La Liga to score a hat-trick in the 21st century - was sidelined with a hamstring injury last month.

After coming off the bench against Elche in La Liga and against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League in the last week, the Pole made his return to the starting 11 against Celta - only his fourth league start of the season.

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And it could hardly have gone better, as he struck from the penalty spot after just 10 minutes, before netting again in the 37th and 73rd minutes to help Barca to a commanding victory.

In the process, the Poland international took his league tally for the season to seven goals - while England star Marcus Rashford collected two assists - and Barca head coach Flick has been impressed with what he has seen.

"After the injury, I can see a different Robert Lewandowski," Flick insisted.

"He's positive, he came back very early. For him, for his confidence, it's great to score three goals today."

Three goals for Lewandowski, as well as a strike from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, ensured Barca capitalised on Real Madrid dropping points against Rayo Vallecano to close the gap at the top of La Liga.

Only three points separate Xabi Alonso's Los Blancos side in pole position and Barca in second, while Villarreal and Atletico Madrid follow in third and fourth, one and two points behind Barca, respectively.

"Vigo is always difficult for us, but now we have less points [between us] and Real Madrid," Lewandowski said after the Celta victory.

"In the second half, we had the game more under control, but in the first [half] Celta scored easily. We spoke at half-time about what we could improve."

Lewandowski can now turn his attention to international duty with Poland, who face Netherlands and Malta in FIFA World Cup qualification.

"We have two weeks to disconnect now, but I hope when we come back we play a lot better," the striker admitted.

"It's the perfect moment to change things that aren't working. Flick asked if I needed a rest and I said no... I felt very good physically today, and I'm very happy."

He added: "We have to analyse how to improve defensively. Now we have two weeks to switch off.

"I hope that when we come back we’ll play much better. It’s a time to change things that aren’t working well."

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