Coming from behind after an early goal, Barcelona proved today that they must still be considered as top contenders when Neymar is on the pitch. The Brazilian superstar led Los Blaugranas with a four-goal display, while adding up an assist to his brilliant outing. This was the first time in 101 games with the Spanish champions in which Neymar was able to score a "poker".
Following Javi Guerra's go ahead goal for Rayo, Neymar scored a couple of penalties that gave Los Culés some room to breathe. After the break, Paco Jemez's crew fought hard to equalize, with Claudio Bravo saving the day after Guerra failed to put the ball past the Chilean goalkeeper. When the game entered its final stretch, Neymar capitalized a loose ball inside Rayo's box to make it 3-1, completing his wonderful performance tonight with a tap in after a fast break.
Neymar's dancing moves after scoring also caught the eyes of his fans.
Once his four goal display was over, Neymar became La Liga's top scorer, surpassing Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his sixth goal of the season earlier today. Here's how fans reacted to the Brazilian's performance at Camp Nou.
People call Neymar a clown because he likes to dance after he scores a goal. They loved Ronaldinho when he used to do the same. So stupid.
— Jojo Culé (@jperkovic93) October 17, 2015
"And today Neymar’s name rhymes with pure goal scoring." - Ray Hudson after Neymar’s fourth goal
— Treble x 2 (@FCB1899GCM) October 17, 2015
Neymar was class tonight, but this control was just outrageous. Pure filth! pic.twitter.com/AydwhA9xaE
— Transfer news (@TrustyTransfers) October 17, 2015
Neymar against Rayo today: 76% succesful passes 7 shots 4 shots on target 4 goals 1 assist Top scorer La Liga , pic.twitter.com/ygjpSRBdnC
— Neymar Jr. (@NeyMarvellous) October 17, 2015
How many goals did Neymar score? pic.twitter.com/AH9gZpxSBv
— Barcelona HQ (@BarcelonaHQ) October 17, 2015
Neymar is the first Brazilian to score 4 goals in a single Liga game since Julio Baptista in 2004 pic.twitter.com/Xg1dqFCRos
— Messiologist (@messiologist) October 17, 2015
Neymar third best player in the world at the moment don't even try to debate it.
— C.C (@ElAficionadofcb) October 17, 2015