The Brazilian scored four goals on Saturday in the Blaugrana’s 5-2 rout of Rayo Vallecano, taking his total tally to 8 goals for the season, more than anybody else in the league
Barcelona lined up against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday without the talismanic Lionel Messi, but the team showed no signs of missing him as Neymar stepped up to score four incredible goals in the 5-2 win.
The Brazilian has been in fine form for the Catalans of late, and this performance came on the back of an equally good performance against Sevilla in the last fixture Barcelona played before the international break.
Twitter in awe of Neymar display
As expected, fans and pundits alike were spellbound by the Brazilian’s performance, with Neymar tormenting the Rayo defence time and again with his direct running. The Brazil captain converted two first-half penalties, before scoring two from open play in the second half to complete his hat-trick in style.
Neymar’s form is a huge positive for Luis Enrique in the absence of both Messi and Iniesta, as the Catalans bid to retain their La Liga title. With important games coming up both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League, the Barcelona manager will be hoping that the Samba superstar continues this purple patch until — and even beyond — Messi’s return.
Neymar 4 goals tonight. Messi who….? ?Y?
a Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) October 17, 2015
Neymar current pichichi leader w/ 8 goals in first 8 games. Had same total after 8 last year, but Ronaldo lead with 15 [via @pedritonumeros] a Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) October 17, 2015
Neymara s bagging the goals that win his team points. Make no mistake, thata s a lot more valuable that scoring 10 vs Rayo Vallecano.
a Rafael HernA?ndez (@RafaelH117) October 17, 2015
Neymar filled in the void left by Messi pretty well tonight. Scoring goals, providing assists, creating chances. Carried the team. Superb. a Sergi Dom nguez (@FutbolSergi) October 17, 2015
Neymar is breaking ankles for fun tonight.
.
a Graham Ruthven (@grahamruthven) October 17, 2015
Video: Ball control Neymar vs Rayo #fcblive [via @magicofbarca] http://t.co/f4XjT37Kde a barcastuff (@barcastuff) October 18, 2015
Neymar being just too good http://t.co/R9gjOiyBJP
a Leo Messi (@messi10stats) October 17, 2015
Neymar now top goalscorer in the league http://t.co/ElONAVeEkY #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/fCkUCflTu4
a FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 17, 2015
