Robert Lewandowski
Vitoria, Spain, Oct 6 (PL) Barcelona kept up a steady pace in the Spanish soccer league today with a 3-0 win over Alavés in the ninth round.
A hat-trick by Poland's Robert Lewandowski in the seventh, 22nd, and 32nd minutes tilted the match in favor of the Azulgranas, who lead the championship with 24 points and three points ahead of Real Madrid, who won 2-0 at Villarreal on Saturday.
In another Sunday match, Girona beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 to move up to 11th place with 12 points.
Later in the day, 12th-placed Sevilla hosts Betis (10) and Real Sociedad (16) hosts fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.