Robert Lewandowski’s blistering form continued as he netted a first-half hat trick to lead Barcelona to a commanding 3-0 win over Alaves on Sunday, solidifying their position at the top of La Liga heading into the international break.
The Polish striker opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match, followed by two more goals in the 22nd and 32nd minutes, securing his 10th league goal in just nine matches. Lewandowski now boasts 12 goals across all competitions this season, with eight coming in his last five games.
Coming off a two-goal performance in Barcelona’s 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Young Boys, Lewandowski continued to impress. After the match, he acknowledged the team’s strong start. “We played a very good match from the first minute. Scoring three goals in the first half allows you to control the game more in the second,” he said.
Barcelona’s victory restores their three-point lead over second-place Real Madrid, who had temporarily drawn level on points after defeating Villarreal 2-0 on Saturday. The win also marks a return to form for the Catalan club following their first league defeat of the season—a 4-2 loss to Osasuna.
Lewandowski’s goals came from close-range finishes, set up by assists from Raphinha and Eric Garcia. Barcelona did suffer a setback early in the match, losing forward Ferran Torres to a muscle injury just five minutes into play.
Atletico Madrid Climbs to Third
Elsewhere in La Liga, Atletico Madrid moved up to third place following a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. Julin Alvarez opened the scoring for Atletico just one minute into the match, thanks to a clever backheel assist from Antoine Griezmann. However, Sociedad fought back, with Luka Sucic curling in a stunning left-footed equalizer in the 84th minute.
Atletico is now level on points with Villarreal but ahead on goal difference. Diego Simeone’s side is aiming to bounce back after a humbling 4-0 defeat to Benfica in the Champions League earlier in the week.
Sevilla Claims Victory in Seville Derby
Sevilla edged out Real Betis 1-0 in the Seville derby, with Dodi Lukebakio scoring the game’s only goal from the penalty spot in the 50th minute. It marked Sevilla’s second win in three games, while Betis suffered back-to-back losses.
Girona Ends Winless Run
In Girona, Cristhian Stuani’s stoppage-time penalty gave the hosts a dramatic 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, ending a six-match winless streak. The game was notable for Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga’s three penalty saves—one in the first half and two in the second, including one that had to be retaken after a VAR review. The defeat was Bilbao’s first in six matches across all competitions.
With the international break approaching, Barcelona, boosted by Lewandowski’s relentless form, sit atop La Liga, while several teams battle for position behind them in what promises to be a thrilling season.
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