Robert Lewandowski scored both the equalising and winning goals to lead Barcelona to a comeback win over Alaves. The striker was central to a dramatic turnaround, as the Blaugrana turned an early deficit into a 2-1 win.
Alaves found the net with the first attack of the game. The visitors swept the ball from right to left, before youngster Samu Omorodion met a guided cross for an easy finish just 18 seconds into the game. He should have made it two after 14 minutes, but angled his shot wide of the post after running through on goal. Omorodion fired over again 10 minutes later, serving as a constant nuisance for the Blaugrana back line.
Barca had their chances in the first half. Lewandowski could have equalised after latching onto an Ilkay Gundogan chip, but scuffed his left-footed effort. Joao Felix offered creativity down the left.
And the Blaugrana found form in the second half. Lewandowski grabbed the leveler, flicking a signature header into the far corner. He bagged the winner, too, driving a spot-kick into the roof of the net after substitute Ferran Torres had his heels clipped in the box. Once again, the Blaugrana was well short of their best, but kept themselves in the La Liga title race with what could turn out to be a vital three points.
90minsoccer rates Barcelona’s players from the Olympic Stadium…
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Will be disappointed to be beaten from close range on the Alaves opener. Had little else to do.
Ronald Araujo
Solid without being excellent at right-back. He can’t work his defensive magic as well from there, and doesn’t necessarily offer attacking thrust, either. Seems wasted in the role.
Jules Kounde
Too easily beaten to the cross at the near post for the Alaves opener. Barged off the ball and nearly gifted the visitors a second. Provided the assist for the Barca equaliser, though.
Inigo Martinez
Didn’t exactly impress defensively, but his delightful through ball started the play that led to the Barca penalty.
Joao Cancelo
Full of ideas, without necessarily executing them. Has dropped off in form after a memorable start.
Fermin Lopez
Another underwhelming display in the middle. Doesn’t always thrive in tight spaces. Probably needs a few games out of the starting XI.
Ilkay Gundogan
Gave the ball away in the run up to the Alaves opener. Arguably Barca’s best player going the other way, full of ideas and execution in the final third.
Pedri
Pushed around a bit in the middle, and lacking in his usual quality. Much improved as the game wore on, but needs time to get back to his best.
Lamine Yamal
Really bright on the right side once again. Alaves applied pressure on him from the off, but he still found spaces to work here. He’s a real talent.
Robert Lewandowski
Scuffed the kind of shot he would usually bury in the first half. Took his header immensely well in the second. Blasted a penalty in to win it.
Joao Felix
On the ball a lot, but afforded little space to work his magic. Not been at his best recently. Hasn’t scored in two months, either.
Raphinha
Brought on to add attacking quality, but rather clogged the final third.
Ferran Torres
Won the penalty that ultimately decided the game.
Alejandro Balde
Extra legs on the left side of the pitch.
Oriol Romeu
Introduced late to see out the contest.
Xavi
Benched a number of big names, including Raphinha and Balde to mark his two year anniversary in the job. His side were miserable for 50 minutes, but turned it on after. The three points are promising. The performance, less so.
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