Robert Lewandowski's decisive goal in the 61st minute gave Barcelona a narrow 1-0 victory over Alavés, helping them to close the points gap on LaLiga leaders Real Madrid to four points. The match began slowly, marred by injuries to Gavi and Tomas Conechny. After missing an earlier chance, Lewandowski capitalized on a deflected cross from Lamine Yamal. Alavés suffered their second league defeat under their new coach Eduardo Coudet, remaining in the relegation zone, while Barcelona tallied 45 points in their 22 match campaign.
Lewandowski broke the deadlock after a tense first half when Lamine Yamal's cross took a deflection off Nahuel Tenaglia and fell to the Polish striker who shot home from close range in the 61st minute.
A clash of heads had forced Gavi and Tomas Conechny off the field early on as the match got off to a slow start, with Lewandowski shooting wide from Raphinha's deflected cross near the half-hour mark.
Alaves suffered their second league defeat since coach Eduardo Coudet took charge in December and remain 18th in the table, two points below safety.
Barcelona moved to 45 after 22 matches, reducing the gap on LaLiga leaders Real Madrid to four points.
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