Barcelona secured a convincing 3-1 win over Alaves on Saturday, despite playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Vitor Roque was sent off for two yellow cards.
The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute, when Robert Lewandowski latched onto a brilliant pass from Ilkay Gundogan and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper. It was the Polish striker’s 25th goal of the season in all competitions.
Gundogan doubled the advantage four minutes after the break, volleying home a cross from Pedri at the far post. The German midfielder has been in fine form for Barcelona, scoring six goals and providing eight assists in his debut campaign.
Alaves pulled one back in the 54th minute, when Samuel Omorodion headed in a cross from Alex Sola. The Nigerian forward has been a bright spot for the struggling hosts, who are in the relegation zone.
However, Barcelona restored their two-goal cushion in the 70th minute, when substitute Vitor Roque scored with his first touch after coming on for Coutinho. The Brazilian winger, who joined from Manchester City in January, slotted in a low shot from the edge of the box.
Roque’s joy was short-lived, though, as he received two bookings in quick succession and was shown the red card in the 83rd minute. The first was for a foul on Sola, and the second was for kicking the ball away.
Barcelona held on to their lead and moved up to third place in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid. Alaves remained in 19th place, four points from safety.
