BARCELONA: Robert Lewandowski continued his fine form and earned La Liga leaders Barcelona a 1-0 win over Getafe on Wednesday.

The Polish forward struck from close range in the first half to maintain Barca’s 100 per cent record in the league so far this season with their seventh victory.

Barcelona dominated despite not being able to add to their lead and restored a four-point advantage on Real Madrid, who beat Alaves on Tuesday.

Getafe goalkeeper David Soria’s weak touch on Kounde’s cross led to Barcelona’s opener on 19 minutes, the ball falling perfectly for Lewandowski to finish from close range.

The 36-year-old striker has seven goals in La Liga this season and leads the scoring charts, seemingly rejuvenated under Flick after struggling at times last season.

“For me he’s the best number nine of the last 10 years,” Flick, who also coached him at Bayern Munich, told reporters. “His job is in front of the goal, in the box, and he’s doing that great.”

Getafe, 19th, are still winless and wasted a fine chance of their own at the death when Borja Mayoral failed to get a shot away when well placed and free inside the box.

“We didn’t put away our chances... we have to be more decisive in the area,” said Getafe midfielder Luis Milla.

The Madrid club have found the net on just three occasions so far this season. “It’s clear we have to improve there, I’m sure the team will end up scoring,” added Milla.

The leaders next travel to face Osasuna on Saturday, before second-placed Real Madrid face rivals Atletico Madrid in a derby clash on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2024