Robert Lewandowski first half hat-trick lifts Barcelona past Alaves

Three goals from Robert Lewandowski was more than enough for Barcelona to beat Alaves and maintain their three point lead over Real Madrid.

Things started early for Lewandowski and the Catalan side as he opened the score in the seventh minute. Lewandowski connected cleanly off a freekick, heading past the Alaves keeper for his eighth goal of the season.

The fast start is something Barcelona were looking for in order to quiet down the home faithful.

Lewandowski scored his second, ninth of the season, in the 22nd minute with Raphinha providing his second assist of the game. Pedri started the counter and laid the ball off to the Brazilian who deftly got away from his marker. He waited for Lewandowski to make the run and then laid off the ball with Lewandowski only needing to tap it in.

Lewandowski's third, and tenth of the season, came in the 32nd minute after receiving a nice pass from Eric Garcia. The Polish striker took a few touches inside the area before calmly sliding the ball past the keeper who could only watch as the ball rolled into the back of the net.

Barcelona seemed to take their foot off the gas somewhat in the second half already up three. Deportivo Alaves had a couple of chances called back due to offside. The Catalans were setting the offside trap well and catching Alaves on a number of occasions.

"In the first half, we did not make any mistakes, we did not allow Alaves to play their game," Hansi Flick said after the game. "It was the key to winning. We told the team that it's very important not to make mistakes and to keep the Osasuna game in mind. The basis of the victory has been that great first half."

The win from Barcelona was marked by another outstanding performance from Raphinha. He had the two assists for Lewandowski and could have scored himself had it not been for the keeper. His good run of form has been a revelation this season and it's a reason they beat Alaves when you take into account Lamine Yamal had a quiet game by his standards.

It was Lewandowski and Raphinha leading the way this time around which is good news for Barcelona as opponents can no longer simply put their entire focus on stopping the 17-year-old.

The match also allowed Flick to give Ansu Fati some minutes. The talented forward looked energetic and had a couple of shots at goal that could end up finding the back of the net once he builds more confidence.

The only downside for Barcelona was the injury to Ferran Torres. The Spanish striker had to come off in the fifth minute of the match. He was pointing at his hamstring before he fell to the pitch. Early reports indicate he could be out up to a month.

That would mean he not only misses the upcoming matches with Spain but also misses Barcelona's most important games of the season so far against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga.

With the aforementioned international break on the schedule, Barcelona don't play another match for two weeks until they host Sevilla on Oct. 19. For that affair, Dani Olmo and perhaps even Fermin Lopez will be available for selection.