A first-half flurry from Robert Lewandowski ensured Barcelona took home all three points with a 3-0 win over Alaves in La Liga on Sunday, October 6.
Heading into the game, Hansi Flick made just one change from the side that featured against Young Boys in the Champions League. Hector Fort came in for Jules Kounde in defense.
It was a brilliant start for Barcelona who took the lead in the seventh minute, thanks to Lewandowski. Raphinha's brilliant delivery from a set-piece found the Poland international to head it home to take the lead.
La Blaugrana continued their dominance and doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute. Raphinha was the creator again, setting Lewandowski up for a simple finish.
The 36-year-old completed his hat-trick just seven minutes later. Set up by Eric Garcia, his finish trickled past the keeper to make it 3-0 inside the first half.
They continued their hold over the game for the rest of the fixture but were unlucky not to find the back of the net. Flick, however, will be pleased as the side keep just their third clean sheet in nine La Liga games.
The win sees Barcelona hold their position at the top of the table, now carrying a three point lead over Real Madrid. It makes for an interesting situation as the two sides head into El Clasico at the end of the month.
On that note, here are the player ratings:
Barcelona Player Ratings
Inaki Pena - 5.5/10
Despite not conceding a goal, the 25-year-old had some shaky moments at the back, maybe validating Barcelona signing Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement.
Hector Fort - 6.5/10
A solid performance from the full-back replacing the much more experienced Kounde, doing well in defense.
Pau Cubarsi - 6.5/10
The youngster continues to show maturity beyond his age, displaying comfort on the ball with 95% pass completion (111/117) and defending solidly.
Inigo Martinez - 7/10
Probably Barcelona's best defender on the night, the veteran provides much-needed experience to a backline that gets exposed regularly.
Alejandro Balde - 6.5/10
Similar to his other full-back defensively but provided more of a threat going forward.
Marc Casado - 7/10
A strong performance from the youngster considered the heir to Sergio Busquets. Casado shielded the back four well and was good with his passing.
Pedri - 7/10
Pedri was forced to take up a more advanced role after Ferran Torres' injury and he performed well on and off the ball. He finished with one chance created, three passes into the final third, seven touches in the opposition box, two tackles and six duels won.
Lamine Yamal - 6/10
A rare off-game from the teenager who was involved less than usual.
Ferran Torres - N/A
Unlucky to be subbed off just minutes into the game with an injury.
Raphinha - 8.5/10
Taking up more of a creative role after Torres' departure, the Brazilian continued his rich vein form under Flick. With two assists, he now has nine goal contributions in nine league games and has quickly become an asset for Barcelona.
Robert Lewandowski - 9/10
The veteran striker needed just 25 minutes for a hat-trick, displaying his class. Now with 10 goals already in the league, he seems to be headed for the Pichichi award.
Substitutes
Eric Garcia - 6.5/10
Subbed in for Torres early on causing a shuffle in the midfield and performed well while also collecting an assist.
Ansu Fati - 6/10
Struggled to make a difference, not really making a case for more minutes.
Jules Kounde - 6.5/10
Helped see out the game replacing Fort in defence.
Frenkie de Jong and Gerard Martin - N/A
The pair came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.