Three takeaways for Hansi Flick from Alaves 0-3 Barcelona

Barcelona were the overwhelming favourites heading into Sunday’s early kick-off against Alaves and they did not disappoint.

Playing away against the Vitoria-Gasteiz-based side, the Blaugrana were never really in trouble and maintained control through the 90 minutes. With 72% possession and four big chances, they were in the driver’s seat and accumulated an xG of 2.49.

Robert Lewandowski’s flawless hat-trick with sensational performances from Raphinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and others ultimately helped the visitors seal a 3-0 win, extending their good run of results at the venue.

Further, they also turned around the tide after their defeat to Osasuna on the last matchday and made it eight wins in nine appearances.

Robert Lewan-goal-ski

25 minutes is all it took for Robert Lewandowski to complete his hat-trick against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday and put the game to bed in the first half.

The Polish striker, who has been in fine form all season, carried forward his momentum at Estadi de Mendizorroza in some style, extending his lead in the Pichichi standings with authority.

Lewandowski opened the scoring from a vicious header off a Raphinha set-piece, giving the goalkeeper no chance with his well-placed and solid effort with his head.

15 minutes later, the veteran superstar was on point again, this time to complete a tap-in from close range after the Brazilian winger once again delivered an inch-perfect cross into his path.

While the goal was all about Raphinha’s run, Lewy was at the right place at the right time.

He completed his hat-trick in just the 32nd minute of the game after a ball from Eric Garcia found him through on goal, albeit in an awkward angle. Despite the uncomfortable position, he got his foot around the ball and manoeuvred it past Antonio Silvera.

Had it not been for the Alaves goalkeeper’s six saves, the striker may well have had five goals to his name.

Nevertheless, Lewandowski is now on ten goals in nine La Liga appearances and four goals clear on the race for the Pichichi.

A positive Ansu Fati cameo

While several players merit praise for their positive performances in defence, midfield and the final third, it has become a given at this point that Barcelona will operate at a high level every time they take to the field.

Looking beyond the expected strong showings from the likes of Pedri, Marc Casado, Inigo Martinez and Lamine Yamal, it was thus the cameo of Ansu Fati that got fans talking.

The La Masia starlet came on in the 67th minute to replace Yamal and made a positive impact on the field, showing glimpses of his brilliance and staking a claim for regular action under Hansi Flick.

In just 23 minutes on the field, Fati showed great movement both on and off the ball, got into a great scoring position and could even have scored a brace.

His finishing is something that can be improved, but what is more important for fans is the fact that Fati still has it in him to conjure his magic in the final third.

The manager can thus look to give the youngster more prominence after the international break when rotations will be a must. Barcelona have a reason to be optimistic.

Leaving on a high

The 3-0 win over Alaves may not be reflective of the sheer dominance that Barcelona enjoyed at Mendizorroza last night. However, that just goes to show the sky-high expectations around Flick’s Barcelona this season.

With three points in the bag against Luis Garcia Plaza’s men, the Blaugrana head into the international break with 24 points to their name, three points clear of Real Madrid and the momentum fairly on their side.

More importantly, they disperse for the hiatus with two back-to-back clean sheets in their kitty and Inaki Pena leaving a decent impression.

Barcelona have daunting tests ahead of them after the international break with both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid arriving within days of each other.

Signing off on a high will give them great confidence ahead of those clashes, especially considering that key players including Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong will be completely fit by then.