European Football: Barcelona Edge Alavés, Juventus Rally past Empoli | European club football

Barcelona closed the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid for four points, but relying on Robert Lewandowski’s goal in the second half to fight struggle Alavés.

The hosts dominated possession of Alavés, who sit in 18th place, happy to sit back and defend. Barça scored almost near half -hour brand when Manu Sánchez’s attempt to clear Raphinha’s cross went to Lewandowski, but the Polish striker put his shot wide.

Lewandowski then went wide from Yamal’s cross in the 57th minute, but the two again combined four minutes later to put Barcelona ahead. Pedri’s Lofted Ball from left reached Yamal, whose cross took a deflection from Nahuel Tenaglia and found Lewandowski, who volleyballed home from close range.

The Alavés keeper, Jesus Owono, stopped Yamal from doubling Barca’s lead and tilt his shot to keep the visitors in the game. Alavés then pressed for an unlikely equalization where Toni Martínez lacked their best chance in the 87th minute when his attempts from Santiago Mourino’s cross went wide.

“Before the game we knew we had to win. We are a few points behind, ”said Lewandowski, the Spanish top flight’s leading goal scorer, after neting its 18th goal for the campaign. “We can’t always win by three, four or five goals. We played with patience and vigilance, and eventually we scored another goal than the opponent. “

The match was stopped for several minutes as Gavi and Tomas Conechny collided heads during an air challenge. Both players were replaced after receiving on -site treatment. “That’s the doctor’s decision. (Gavi) Unable to continue playing, and we have to respect it, ”said the Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, afterwards.

Randal Kolo Muanis Double Helped Juventus For a comeback 4-1 home wine Empoli In Serie A on Sunday, which lifted them into the top four.

Visitors, who are currently 17 in the table, took a shock after four minutes through defender Mattia de Sciglio, on loans from Juve, who nodded home Liam Henderson’s corner. Empoli was awarded a penalty in the 15th minute, but the judge overturned his decision after one was -Check revealed an attacking handball.

Juventus, who had won one of their last eight games in all competitions, ended the opening 45 minutes with only one shot at the target, but increased their pace after the break. Empoli goalkeeper, Devis Vásquez, made it good to deny Nicolás González and Teun Koopmeiners, before Kolo Muani equalized from close range.

The PSG borrower hit right past the timer and hid the ball inside the nearest post after he stuck to a long care from Koopmeiners. Kolo Muani then fortunately
Put Juve in front as a long -range shot of Timothy Weah Ricocheted of him and flew into the lower corner of the net.

Deputy Dusan Vlahovic did it 3-1 in the 90th minute with a powerful shot under the bar after a solo race. Another replacement, Francisco Conceição, ended the route late after a brilliant long care from Khéphren Thuram. Empoli was left with 10 men in the 84th minute when Maleh got another yellow card.