Hansi Flick's side moved to within four points of the summit despite not being at their best on Sunday
Robert Lewandowski's poacher's finish secured Barcelona a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to relegation-threatened Alaves on Sunday.
Barca began brightly, with Lamine Yamal seeming intent to dribble past Alaves' entire team at times, but they were stopped in their tracks in the final third. Gavi, meanwhile, was forced from the field with a head injury, and his team-mates seemed to be knocked off their stride, but it had the opposite effect on the visitors.
The Blaugrana improved after the interval, with Yamal forcing an excellent diving save from Jesus Owono before Lewandowski finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when he volleyed home Yamal's deflected cross from close-range.
After dropping points to lowly teams such as Getafe, Leganes, and Las Palmas in recent weeks, third-placed Barcelona are now just four points adrift of La Liga leaders Real Madrid following this win.
GOAL rates Barca's players from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):
Once again preferred to Inaki Pena in goal but didn't have much to do. When he was called into action, the Pole was solid enough.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Wasn't as in sync with Yamal as usual and sometimes his lack of precision let him down.
Ronald Araujo (5/10):
Gave away a sloppy yellow card and did not have a particularly commanding performance. Replaced for the second half.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
Tidied up at the back very well and was once again mature beyond his years.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
As usual, was good going forward and didn't do much wrong defensively.
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Gavi (N/A):
Got booked for a thumping, late challenge early on and then could not continue after a clash of heads with Alaves' Conechny shortly after.
Marc Casado (5/10):
Didn't do a great deal in his first-half outing as Alaves, arguably, won the midfield battle. Was subbed at the break.
Pedri (7/10):
When his team looked off the pace, he was driving them forward. A really classy operator.
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Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Managed to beat seven players on a Lionel Messi-esque dribble, but he also struggled to get the better of left-back Manu Sanchez on occasion. Grew in confidence as the game wore on and was a joy to watch at times; plus, he got an assist.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
The Pole was kept in check in the first 45, but the arch poacher took his goal well just after the hour mark.
Raphinha (6/10):
Was oddly quiet in the first half and despite having a couple of magical moments, the Brazilian was somewhat subdued.
AFPSubs & Manager
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Came on for the injured Gavi in the 15th minute and once again impressed in midfield. He is continuing to knock on the door for a start.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Played a bit more offensively than usual and was a bright spark off the bench.
Eric Garcia (7/10):
Helped shore up Barca's defence when he came on.
Ferran Torres (6/10):
Was keen to attack Alaves' goal, but wasn't at his best.
Gerard Martin (N/A):
Had too little time to make an impact.
Pau Victor (N/A):
Was introduced at the death.
Hansi Flick (7/10):
After a poor first half, the German deserves credit for making early changes to wrestle momentum away from Alaves. His substitutes gave Barca a much-needed boost.
