Barcelona secured back-to-back LaLiga wins for the first time since early November with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over strugglers Deportivo Alavés.
The win keeps their title hopes alive, closing the gap to leaders Real Madrid to four points.
The hosts started strongly, with Lamine Yamal’s mesmerizing run past five defenders setting up Raphinha for a shot that narrowly missed the target.
After the break, Robert Lewandowski’s header drifted wide, but he made amends on the hour mark, firing into the roof of the net for his 30th goal this season.
The goal came from a well-worked move, with Pedri’s crossfield pass finding Yamal, who sent a volleyed cross towards Lewandowski.
Alavés failed to respond, with no attempts on goal in the second half as the Blaugrana held on for a crucial win to re-ignite their hopes of wrestling the title from their eternal rivals.
