Foot/ La Liga: Lewandowski hat-trick seals comfortable win for Barça over Alavés

Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 victory against Alavés, restoring their three-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Robert Lewandowski was the star of the show, netting all three goals within the first 30 minutes.

Raphinha had an early goal disallowed for offside, but quickly made up for it by delivering a pinpoint free kick to Lewandowski, who headed in the opener.

The pair combined again in the 22nd minute, with Raphinha providing a perfect cross for Lewandowski to double the lead.

Just minutes later, Lewandowski completed his hat-trick, finishing off a pass from Eric García, who had replaced the injured Ferran Torres.

It marked a milestone for the striker, taking his goal tally into double digits just nine games into the season.

Alavés, unbeaten at home since March, fought back, with Toni Martínez coming close on two occasions, including hitting the post.

However, Barcelona’s defense stood firm, with goalkeeper Iñaki Peña making crucial saves.

The match settled into a slower pace in the second half, but Ansu Fati, returning from injury, nearly added a fourth for Barça, denied only by the crossbar and Alavés keeper Antonio Sivera.

Barcelona’s early onslaught was enough to secure the win, with the team now turning their focus to Sevilla on October 20, after the international break.