Lewandowski nets first-half hat-trick as Barca see off Alaves

Robert Lewandowski was astonishing at Alavés on Sunday, as he propelled Barca to a 3-0 win courtesy of his first-half hat-trick, which stretched Barça’s unbeaten run against the Babazorros to fifteen. 

After last week’s disappointment at Osasuna, Hansi Flick’s men were high on intent and confidence on their return to league football, an approach that almost gave them the lead when Lamine Yamal and Raphinha combined swiftly to score before the goal was chalked off for offside. 

They were not to be denied a goal for long, and their opener came through the Poland veteran striker – Robert Lewandowski – who headed home Raphinha’s fascinating free-kick delivery. 

He bagged his second of the afternoon fifteen minutes later, once again with thanks to Raphinha, when he poked home a square play in the opposition’s box. 

He completed his hat trick when he managed to sneak the ball past a helpless Alaves goalkeeper from an extremely tight angle – his first triple goal since March 2022 – marking a frustrating afternoon for the hosts whose last win against The Blaugrana was in 2016.

Alavés thought they had found a breakthrough on the stroke of the break when Toni Martinez fired home, only to see his effort canceled for an offside. 

The canceled goal and Alaves’ subsequent lack of impact in the remainder of the encounter meant their ignominious record against Barca remains far from being broken. 

In the final minutes and with all maximum points in the bag, Barca resorted to popping the ball across the midfield in a commanding and intimidating fashion as Alavés players chased shadows. 

The win means that Barca’s place at the top of the table will remain unchanged till after the international break, and Barca’s German manager will definitely be glad to see another goal-laden outing from his side after Wednesday’s 5-0 bashing of Young Boys.