Barcelona edged past Alaves with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of Robert Lewandowski’s decisive strike in the second half. The win allows the Catalan giants to reduce the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to just four points. With Atletico Madrid sitting three points ahead, Barcelona now have an opportunity to climb further up the table as they await the result of the Madrid derby next weekend.
Lewandowski Delivers When It Matters
The Polish talisman found the back of the net after Lamine Yamal’s precise delivery into the box. It was a game that required patience, with Alaves proving to be a resilient opponent who made life difficult for the home side.
“From the beginning, we understood the importance of securing all three points,” Lewandowski told Movistar. “At this moment, we are behind Atletico and Madrid in the table, but what matters most is our own performance. Winning must always come first, and then we can analyze our position.”
A Slow Start in the Barcelona Sun
The afternoon kick-off at the Olympic Stadium saw Barcelona struggle to find their rhythm in the first half. Alaves held their ground with a deep defensive setup, forcing the hosts to be patient.
- Lamine Yamal’s solo dribble offered a rare moment of excitement for the fans.
- Gavi and Tomas Conechny’s unfortunate clash of heads led to early substitutions.
- Coach Hansi Flick reassured fans that Gavi was fine after the incident.
“He’s already on his way home, everything is fine,” said Flick. “No serious concerns.”
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick introduced Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia after the break to inject pace and fluidity into their play. The decision paid off, as the team looked sharper and more composed in possession.
Lewandowski came close with a glancing header that drifted just wide, but he soon made amends by capitalizing on Yamal’s cross-shot, calmly finishing at the back post in the 61st minute.
“This is what Lewy does best. He’s the dominant striker in the box,” Flick told reporters.
Barcelona Hold On to the Lead
Although the Blaugrana pushed for a second goal—most notably through Ferran Torres’ curling strike, which was well saved by Alaves’ goalkeeper Jesus Owono—they were unable to extend their lead. Fortunately, Alaves posed little offensive threat, allowing Barcelona to see out the game comfortably.
“Not every game will be a high-scoring spectacle, sometimes we have to grind out results against teams that defend with discipline,” said Lewandowski. “Patience is key in matches like this, and in the end, we secured the win, which is what truly matters.”
La Liga Title Race Intensifies
With this victory, Barcelona keeps the pressure on their rivals in the La Liga title race. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are set for a crucial showdown, which could play a defining role in shaping the top three standings.
Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao fought back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Real Betis, while Osasuna clinched a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, adding further drama to the La Liga weekend action.
Key Takeaways:
- Lewandowski nets his 18th league goal, leading the La Liga scoring charts.
- Barcelona closes the gap on Real Madrid to four points.
- Flick’s halftime changes prove crucial in securing three points.
- Upcoming Madrid derby could further shake up the title race.
As the season progresses, the Catalans will be looking to maintain this momentum and push for the summit. The La Liga title race is far from over, and every match from here on out will be a battle for supremacy.
