Robert Lewandowski Barcelona 2023-24Getty Images

Barcelona player ratings vs Deportivo Alaves: Never write off Robert Lewandowski! Blaugrana striker shows class is permanent with second-half brace to seal crucial comeback win

Robert Lewandowski scored both the equalising and winning goals to lead Barcelona to a comeback win over Alaves. The striker was central to a dramatic turnaround, as the Blaugrana turned an early deficit into a 2-1 win.

Alaves found the net with the first attack of the game. The visitors swept the ball from right to left, before youngster Samu Omorodion met a guided cross for an easy finish just 18 seconds into the game. He should have made it two after 14 minutes, but angled his shot wide of the post after running through on goal. Omorodion fired over again 10 minutes later, serving as a constant nuisance for the Blaugrana back line.

Barca had their chances in the first half. Lewandowski could have equalised after latching onto an Ilkay Gundogan chip, but scuffed his left-footed effort. Joao Felix offered creativity down the left.

And the Blaugrana found form in the second half. Lewandowski grabbed the leveler, flicking a signature header into the far corner. He bagged the winner, too, driving a spot-kick into the roof of the net after substitute Ferran Torres had his heels clipped in the box. Once again, the Blaugrana was well short of their best, but kept themselves in the La Liga title race with what could turn out to be a vital three points.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium...

Article continues below