Robert Lewandowski’s blistering 26-minute hat trick propelled La Liga leaders Barcelona to a commanding 3-0 victory over Alaves on Sunday, extending their lead over rivals Real Madrid by three factors.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s hopes of bouncing again from their Champions League setback had been dashed as Real Sociedad salvaged a 1-1 draw, courtesy of Luka Sucic’s beautiful late equalizer.
Lewandowski’s first-half treble took his season tally to 10 targets in simply 9 league video games, cementing his place as La Liga’s high scorer.
On Saturday, Real Madrid edged Villarreal to momentarily draw degree with Barcelona, however Hansi Flick’s facet cruised to a snug win at Mendizorroza, sustaining their spectacular type underneath their new coach.
“I get a lot of good passes, so it’s easier for me to score goals,” Lewandowski advised DAZN.
“Today in the first half we played well from the first minute. We wanted to attack and score goals.”
“If you score three goals in the first half, then in the second, you can play with everything under control.”
Barcelona secured their eighth victory in 9 La Liga matches by taking management from the beginning.
Lewandowski and winger Raphinha, in excellent type this season, had been Barcelona’s key gamers in a match they largely dominated.
The Brazil worldwide had a purpose disallowed for offside earlier than organising Lewandowski for the opener with an inviting free kick, which the striker headed house.
Raphinha burst down the left wing for Barcelona’s second, crossing for the veteran Polish ahead to knock in.
Lewandowski accomplished his hat trick with a scientific end throughout Antonio Sivera after gathering Eric Garcia’s go.
The 36-year-old striker appears to be like far sharper than final season and has 12 targets in 11 video games throughout all competitions.
“In front of goal, Lewandowski is the best player, for me,” Flick advised reporters.
“It’s superb to attain so many targets over such a interval… I’m actually pleased with him, and you’ll see he is one hundred pc match. It’s excellent in the intervening time.
“I’m happy for Lewy, but also, his teammates are really supporting him well.”
Alaves had targets from Toni Martinez and Santiago Mourino dominated out for offside as they battled nicely within the second half, however Barcelona held agency.
Atletico denied
Diego Simeone’s Atletico had been thrashed 4-0 by Benfica on Wednesday however took a first-minute lead in San Sebastian in opposition to Real Sociedad.
Former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez drilled house after Antoine Griezmann’s intelligent backheel into his path.
The Rojiblancos battled laborious defensively to maintain their benefit, however Sucic looped a long-range effort over Jan Oblak within the 84th minute to safe the house facet some extent.
Atletico’s level moved them to 3rd, degree with Villarreal, however they path leaders Barcelona by seven factors, whereas Real Sociedad sit fifteenth.
“We scored the goal, the team worked well defensively, and we didn’t allow a team that plays well to create much danger,” Simeone advised DAZN.
“Look at their goal – a great strike – and that’s about it. I think a draw was fair.”
Sevilla edged a derby conflict in opposition to Real Betis 1-0, whereas Girona snatched a late 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Dodi Lukebakio’s penalty was sufficient to drag Sevilla as much as twelfth, degree on factors with derby rivals Betis.
The winger transformed from the spot within the fiftieth minute after a handball by Diego Llorente, who was livid with the choice.
“I just ask for respect. We work like mad every week, and there are referees who lie to our faces,” stated Llorente, claiming the referee stated his arm was in a raised place.
Veteran Sevilla winger Jesus Navas, 38, performed in his twenty eighth and closing Seville derby, turning into the participant with probably the most appearances within the fixture – yet one more than Betis nice Joaquin.
Earlier, Girona snatched a late win over sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao in an entertaining conflict.
Cristhian Stuani transformed a late penalty to earn three factors for final season’s shock package deal, who’re at present eleventh after a tough begin this season.
Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga saved two penalties, denying Alex Berenguer and Ander Herrera.
Source: www.dailysabah.com