Lewandowski earns Barcelona win over Alaves to preserve title hopes

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Feb 2, 2025, 20:41 IST

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Robert Lewandowski’s second-half goal sealed a 1-0 win for Barcelona against Alaves on Sunday, narrowing the gap to La Liga leaders Real Madrid to four points. Barcelona, now third in the table, capitalized on Madrid’s draw with Espanyol. Lewandowski's goal came from a Lamine Yamal cross, marking his 18th league goal and pushing his team closer to the top.

Lewandowski earns Barcelona win over Alaves to preserve title hopes

Robert Lewandowski. (Pic Credit - X)

Robert Lewandowski’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory for Barcelona against Alaves on Sunday, closing the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to four points.
The Catalans, sitting third in the table, took full advantage after Madrid dropped points in a draw against Espanyol on Saturday. Barcelona now trail second-placed Atletico Madrid by three points, with the Rojiblancos set to face Real Madrid in a highly anticipated derby next weekend—an opportunity for Hansi Flick’s side to gain further ground.
Lewandowski netted the winner in the 61st minute, converting a Lamine Yamal cross to settle a hard-fought contest in which Alaves largely frustrated the hosts.
Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm in the early afternoon sun at the Olympic Stadium. Chances were scarce in the first half, with Alaves defending resolutely. A dazzling dribble from Yamal briefly excited the home fans, but clear-cut opportunities remained elusive.

The match saw a worrying moment when Gavi and Tomas Conechny clashed heads, forcing both players off. Before halftime, Lewandowski narrowly missed with a scuffed shot, while Pedri’s low effort was comfortably saved by Alaves goalkeeper Jesus Owono.
Flick introduced Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia at halftime to inject more urgency into Barcelona’s possession play. The changes had an immediate impact, with Lewandowski glancing a header just wide before eventually breaking the deadlock.
The Polish striker capitalized on a deflected Yamal cross-shot at the back post to notch his 18th league goal of the season, extending his lead over Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Pichichi Trophy.
Barcelona pushed for a second, with substitute Ferran Torres forcing Owono into a fine save from a curling effort. However, Alaves, who posed little threat to Wojciech Szczesny’s goal throughout, were unable to mount a late comeback.
Later on Sunday, fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao visit Real Betis as the La Liga race continues to intensify.

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TOI Sports Desk

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