Barcelona hammer Girona to restore three-point lead at top of LaLiga | OneFootball

Barcelona restored their three-point lead at the top of LaLiga with a Robert Lewandowski-inspired 4-1 win over Girona at the Estadi de Montjuïc.

Scorers: Krejčí (OG) 43', Lewandowski 61', 77, Torres 86'; Danjuma 53'

Barça dominated the game from the outset, and enjoyed near-monopoly of the ball in the first half but it took until two minutes before the break for them to open the scoring.

That had more to do with Paulo Gazzaniga in the Girona goal and some resolute defending as it did with Hansi Flick's side not taking chances.

The pick of the saves came in the 22nd minute when the keeper spectacularly turned away Ronald Araújo's header from a corner, while he also denied Lamine Yamal.

The teenage sensation played a role in breaking the deadlock. His dangerous free-kick from the right-hand side of the box went into a crowded box and eventually the ball hit off the arm of Ladislav Krejčí and into the net.

An upset was briefly on the cards when Girona stunned their illustrious neighbours early into the second half. Daley Blind was the architect of it, stepping up from defence to intercept Araújo's wayward pass, before winning a 50-50 and threading a lovely ball in for Arnaut Danjuma.

The on-loan Villarreal forward belied his two-goal tally for the season with a fine curled finish that gave Wojciech Szczęsny no chance.

However, Barça responded and retook the lead less than 10 minutes later through Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker finished brilliantly from close range, connecting acrobatically with Fermín López's header.

The veteran sealed the points for Los Cules late on with another fine strike, smashing low past Gazzaniga after being played in by Frenkie de Jong. Ferran Torres then put a seal on things as Flick's side went goal-crazy once again.

The win moves Barcelona three points clear of Real Madrid, who they have a significantly better goal difference than.

They are also now nine clear of Atlético de Madrid, whose title aspirations are as good as over with nine games left.

The two clubs, coincidentally, meet in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday with the score at 4-4 after a stunning first leg.

📸 LLUIS GENE - AFP or licensors