BARCELONA: Robert Lewandowski’s 26-minute first-half hat-trick steered La Liga leaders Barcelona three points clear of Real Madrid with an emphatic 3-0 win at Alaves on Sunday, while Atletico Madrid let their first-minute lead slip as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad.

Lewandowski reached 10 goals for the season as the Catalans continued a strong start to the campaign under new coach Hansi Flick, moving to 24 points with their eighth victory in nine matches.

Lewandowski and winger Raphinha, in superb form this season, were Barcelona’s key players in a match they largely dominated.

Raphinha had a goal chalked for offside before setting up Lewandowski for the opener with a free-kick in the seventh minute, which the striker headed home at Alaves’ Mendizorroza Stadium.

The Brazilian then burst down the left wing for Barcelona’s second, crossing for the veteran Polish forward to knock in. Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish across Antonio Sivera after collecting Eric Garcia’s pass.

Alaves battled well in the second half but Barca held firm.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico were thrashed 4-0 by Benfica on Wednesday but took a first-minute lead in San Sebastian against Real Sociedad.

Striker Julian Alvarez drilled home after Antoine Griezmann’s cute backheel into his path.

The Rojiblancos battled hard defensively to keep their advantage but Luka Sucic looped a long-range effort over Jan Oblak in the 84th minute to secure the home side a point.

Atletico’s point took them third, level with Vill­arreal. Sociedad are 15th with nine points.

Sevilla shaded a derby clash against Real Betis 1-0 while Girona earned a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Dodi Lukebakio’s penalty was enough to pull Sevilla up to 12th, level on points with derby rivals Betis. The winger converted from the spot in the 50th minute after a handball by Diego Llorente.

Earlier Girona snatched a late win over sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao in an entertaining clash.

Cristhian Stuani converted a late penalty to earn three points for Girona, who are currently 11th. Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga saved two penalties, denying Alex Berenguer and then Ander Herrera.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2024