LEWANDOWSKI CLINCHES WIN IN GAME OF FEW CHANCES

Robert Lewandowski scored his 18th La Liga goal of the season as Barcelona edged past Deportivo Alaves to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid.

After a frustrating opening period for the hosts, the 36-year-old broke the deadlock just after the hour-mark as he volleyed home from close range following Lamine Yamal’s volleyed cross.

It was the first and last clear-cut chance for Hansi Flick’s side, but it was enough to clinch all three points as they kept their first clean sheet in 11 games in the league.

Chances were at even more of a premium for the visitors, who made a number of dangerous runs in behind but were constantly being caught out by Barcelona’s offside trap.

Following Real Madrid’s surprise loss against Espanyol on Saturday, the result sees Barcelona move to within four points of Los Blancos, and three points of Atletico Madrid in second.

Espanyol’s victory saw Alaves slip into the relegation zone and that is where they remain following this defeat, two points adrift of Las Palmas, Leganes and Espanyol.

Up next for Hansi Flick’s side is a Copa del Rey tie with Valencia on Thursday before they return to La Liga action next weekend with a visit to Sevilla.

As for Alaves, their Copa del Rey exit in December means they have a full week off before their next match, which comes in the form of a home match in the league against Getafe.

The one sour note for the hosts was Gavi’s departure after just ten minutes following a nasty clash of heads with Tomas Conechny, who was withdrawn on a stretcher.