Lewandowski hat-trick restores Barcelona lead at top of La Liga

Robert Lewandowski netted a first-half hat-trick as Barcelona comfortably secured victory over Alaves, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to three points.

Real Madrid had briefly drawn level with Hansi Flick’s side following their home win against Villarreal on Saturday evening.

However, Barcelona, who were coming off a surprise loss to Osasuna last weekend, took control early on when Lewandowski headed in Raphinha’s curling cross.

The 36-year-old added his second with a close-range finish, again set up by the Brazilian.

Lewandowski completed his hat-trick by slotting a shot past Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera after receiving a pass from Eric Garcia.

The Polish striker has now scored 12 goals in 11 games across all competitions for Barcelona, who are averaging more than three goals per game in La Liga this season.

“I had some good passes and they made it easier for me to score,” Lewandowski said on DAZN.

“We played well from the first minute and we wanted to attack and score goals. We were more in control in the second half.

“We have a very good group. I think we can play better but we have improved all the things we lacked.”

The hosts, who posed occasional threats, believed they had pulled one back just before half-time when Toni Martinez found the net. However, the goal was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up.