The Catalans secured an easy victory to reclaim third in the La Liga standings.
Barcelona defeated Alaves 3-1 in their La Liga game on Saturday. A solid attacking performance secured Barca’s victory as they recovered from a string of underwhelming displays.
What happened?
Alaves made a bright start to the game as they created several chances to go ahead early on. However, it was Barcelona who scored the opener after a lovely piece of build-up play in the 22nd minute. Robert Lewandowski converted a perfect through ball from Ilkay Gundogan to make it 1-0 for Barcelona.
Alaves came close to scoring the equalizer two more times before the break. But Barca’s performance only got better in the second half.
Gundogan doubled his side’s lead only four minutes after the break. But his goal was responded quickly by the hosts, who got back into the game through Samu Omorodion’s goal only two minutes later.
Alaves pushed hard to secure the equalizer, but Barcelona killed off the game with another goal. This time, Vitor Roque slotted a brilliant low shot into the corner of the net after receiving a precise cutback from Héctor Fort. The 18-year-old’s cameo, however, took an unexpected turn when he was sent off with a second yellow card in the 72nd minute.
Xavi’s ten-man side came under pressure in the final ten minutes but managed to hold onto their two-goal lead and claim the three points.
Alaves vs Barcelona: Man of the Match
Gundogan made another incredible performance for Barcelona as they defeated Alaves 3-1. The German international scored and provided an assist for Lewandowski’s opener, while his commanding presence played a crucial role in Barcelona’s efforts to defend their lead.
Player Ratings
Alaves: Sivera (5), Tenaglia (5), Marin (6), Duarte (5), Lopez (7), Blanco (5), Guevara (6), Sola (7), Guridi (5), Rioja (6), Omorodion (7).
Bench: Rebbach (6), Simeone (6), Hagi (7), Benavidez (6), Panichelli (5).
Barcelona: Pena (7), Kounde (7), Araujo (7), Cubarsi (7), Cancelo (7), De Jong (7), Christensen (7), Gundogan (7), Yamal (7), Lewandowski (7), Pedri (7).
Bench: Fort (6), Roque (6), Lopez (5), Martinez (6), Romeu (6).
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