Aubameyang opens account for Barca with a hat-trick: Key numbers
What's the story
Barcelona hammered Valencia 4-1 in La Liga to go past champions Atletico Madrid in the standings. Barca are now placed fourth in the Spanish league, having played a game less than the other teams around them. Against Valencia, new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bagged a hat-trick. By doing so, the former Arsenal forward registered several feats. Here we decode the same.
Hat-trick
A hat-trick for Auba
The 32-year-old slammed in the opener on his first La Liga start. Mid-fielder Frenkie de Jong tapped in a second nine minutes later. Aubameyang converted from close range for the third. For Valencia, Carlos Soler pulled one back before Aubameyang got a fortunate third goal. Pedri appeared to have scored the fourth but his 25-yard shot glanced Aubameyang's back on its way in.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Auba had to leave Arsenal on poor terms and it was hard for fans to see him not being involved since a breach in discipline back in December. With Barca able to complete his signing, Auba has got a new lease of life. He has been a prolific scorer no matter which club he has played for. This hat-trick will help him immensely.
Records
Records scripted by Auba
As per Squawka Football, Auba is the first player in the 21st century to score a hat-trick in Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Premier League, and La Liga. As per Opta, he is also the fourth player in the 21st century to have scored in these four leagues. after Stevan Jovetic who also scored in Serie A, Michy Batshuayi, and James Rodriguez.
Stats
Auba achieves these records as well
As per Opta, Aubameyang is the second Barcelona player to score two-plus in his first La Liga start in the 21st century, after Francisco Trincao against Alaves in February 2021 (two goals). As per Squawka Football, 50% of Aubameyang's hat-tricks have been scored in February: 20/02/12 vs Lorient, 10/08/13 vs Augsburg, 05/11/16 vs HSV, 23/09/17 vs BMG, 14/02/21 vs Leeds, and 20/02/22 vs Valencia.
Career stats
Auba's career stats
Auba netted 41 goals for St Etienne in 97 matches. Prior to that, he scored 10 goals for Dijon, two for Lille, and two for Monaco (all on loan). He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2013 and scored 141 goals in 213 matches. He joined Arsenal next and amassed 92 goals in 163 matches. He has three goals in four appearances for Barca.