Barcelona maintained their strong LaLiga form with a 3-0 victory over Alavés, highlighted by a first-half hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker was on fire, scoring all three goals within the first 30 minutes and effectively sealing the game early.
This win keeps Barcelona at the top of the standings as they head into the international break. Despite losing Ferran Torres to injury just five minutes in, the team adapted quickly. Manager Hansi Flick substituted Eric García, which allowed Pedri to take on a more influential role in midfield. However, it was captain Raphinha who shone early on, assisting two of Lewandowski’s goals.
Raphinha’s accurate crosses and dynamic play consistently troubled the Alavés defense. The first goal came from a perfectly placed free-kick by Raphinha, which Lewandowski headed in. Minutes later, Raphinha initiated a counter-attack, setting up Lewandowski for a simple finish to make it 2-0.
Raphinha nearly scored himself but was thwarted by a superb save from Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. Alavés, in celebration of coach Luis García Plaza’s 100th match in charge, struggled to find their rhythm. A disallowed goal by Toni Martínez just before halftime briefly lifted the home crowd’s spirits but was ruled offside. Their limited offensive efforts, including a shot off the post by Martínez in the second half, failed to trouble Barcelona, who controlled the match comfortably.
Flick made several substitutions in the second half, bringing on Ansu Fati and welcoming back Frenkie de Jong, who had been out since April. De Jong’s return adds valuable depth to Barcelona’s midfield, enhancing their possession play as they closed out the match.
With this victory, Barcelona heads into the second international break of the season with momentum, though Real Madrid remains a close competitor in the title race. Lewandowski’s standout performance, now totaling 10 goals in nine games, showcased his world-class talent, and Barcelona will aim to build on this strong form as they face upcoming challenges.
