By netting a first-half hat-trick to power Barcelona to a commanding 3-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves on Sunday, Robert Lewandowski proved age is just a number. The win ensures the Catalan giants maintain their three-point cushion at the La Liga summit, ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
Lewandowski's Masterclass
The Polish marksman wasted no time making his mark on the game, breaking the deadlock just seven minutes in with a precision header from Raphinha's pinpoint cross. The duo wasn't done there, combining again just 15 minutes later when Lewandowski tapped in his second of the afternoon. The Barcelona striker completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute, coolly slotting past Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera to bring his impressive La Liga tally to 10 goals in nine games. He is followed closely by Villarreal’s Ayoze Pérez.
More Club and Career Records
The three goals against Alavés marks the third time Lewandowski has netted a hat-trick for Barça. The striker has had a fair share of those in his career. Looking back at his time in the German Bundesliga, the poacher scored a hat-trick on 20 occasions for Bayern Munich. With rivals Borussia Dortmund, he also did so on four occasions, recording an impressive total of 27 at club level.
Lewandowski’s three goals in 32 minutes was also the quickest hat-trick for the Spanish side since Messi netting three goals in half an hour against Mallorca.
Barcelona's Title Charge Gains Momentum
Despite Alaves showing spirit throughout the contest, even having two goals disallowed, Barcelona's dominance was never truly threatened. The victory was particularly sweet for Barça manager Hansi Flick, who had seen his team drop their first points of the season in a surprising 4-2 defeat to Osasuna last week. Now, with 24 points from nine matches, Barcelona's title credentials look stronger than ever.
"Everyone supports Lewy, and he knows what to do in the box – in front of the goal, he's the best player for me," Flick praised his star striker after the dazzling display at Mendizorrotza. The manager, who also coached Lewandowski at Bayern Munich, added, "The dynamic from these players is unbelievable and helps us a lot."
Lewandowski's stellar performance wasn't just about goals. He also dominated in other aspects, winning seven duels: more than any other player on the pitch.
Moving Ahead
Despite Barcelona’s recent form, Flick is hesitant to compare the team with his former dominant Bayern side:
"This team is different. The situation is different. At the moment, things look good. I'm happy to be the coach of this team, but I know that things can change really quickly in football.
"We value what we have, it's fantastic to see things work. What this team is doing is amazing. The atmosphere in the dressing room is great."
As Barcelona head into the international break, they'll be grateful for their Polish talisman's class and clinical edge in front of goal. For Deportivo Alaves, the defeat sees them slip to 11th in the table, but their spirited performance, particularly in the second half, suggests they have the quality to climb back up the standings in the coming weeks.