The competition put forward, the champions laboriously followed suit: thanks to double packer Robert Lewandowski, FC Barcelona stayed in first place in La Liga.
The Catalans won unconvincingly against newly promoted Deportivo Alaves on Sunday 2:1 (0:1). The gap to league leaders FC Girona remains four points, while record champions Real Madrid are two points ahead of Barca.
The surprise team from Girona had continued their winning streak the day before at Rayo Vallecano (2-1), it was already their fifth league success in a row. Real also didn’t show any weakness in their resounding win against FC Valencia (5-1) on Saturday – although the Royals had to do without Jude Bellingham, the top goalscorer in LaLiga with ten goals. The former Dortmund player was missing due to a shoulder injury, while national defender Antonio Rüdiger was only allowed to watch due to a yellow card suspension.
However, the Madrilenians could rely on Toni Kroos, who set up Dani Carvajal (3rd) for the early lead. The other goals were scored by the Brazilians Vinicius Junior (42nd/49th) and Rodrygo (50th/84th), Hugo Duro (88th) only made cosmetic results for Valencia.
Horror start for FC Barcelona
Despite their own kick-off, Barca fell behind against Alaves after just 18 seconds.
DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan lost the ball in midfield, a little later national goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to reach behind him, and when he conceded the goal he was tunneled by Samu Omorodion.
After a disappointing first half, the favorite came out of the locker room improved. First, Lewandowski (53rd) equalized with his first goal since September 23rd, before the Pole scored with a penalty kick (78th) to win.