New Delhi: Barcelona closed their gap on the La Liga title, with just four points lying between them after their fantastic win over Alaves thanks to a fantastic goal from Robert Lewandowski in the second half that ensured they took all three points. The hosts maintained their third place as Barca won consecutive games in the competition, taking 45 points from 22 games, as Alaves continued in the 18th place.
Barcelona had already made a strong start in the game with Lamine Yamal rushing through Alaves defence and managed to find Raphina on left only for the 28-year-old to fire his shot wide of the far post. The match was even halted for quite a few minutes when both Gavi and Tomas Conechny clashed with each other during an aerial challenge. After on-field treatment, both players had to be substituted.
🐍 FULL TIME! 🐍#BarçaAlavés pic.twitter.com/t67quypza4
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 2, 2025
Blaugrana dominated possession while their opposite numbers were only looking to defend their way out. Near the half-an-hour mark, the hosts had almost broken the deadlock when Manu Sanchez tried to clear a cross from Raphinha that went to Lewandowski who ended up shooting wide.
Lewandowski again missed to head at Yamal’s cross in the 57th minute only for the duo put Barca ahead four minutes later. Pedri put a lofted ball from the left that Yamal delivered a cross on that ricocheted off Nahuel Tenaglia going straight to Lewandowski who had no trouble in volleying the shot from close range.
Yamal himself would have got in the scoring sheet but Alaves keeper Jesus Owono managed to thwart the Spaniard’s threat. While Alaves looked for their equaliser Barca managed to pace down the game. Toni Martinez had come close to bringing Alaves a single point but played wide from Santiago Mourino’s cross in the 87th minute. It was Alaves’ second defeat in La Liga since Eduardo Coudet took over the helms of the side in December.
Barcelona reduce their lead from the La Liga table top by four points as Polish striker Robert Lewandowski’s second half goal ensures 1-0 win over Alaves. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
