Despite not doing well on Sunday, Hansi Flick’s team pulled within four points of the summit.
On Sunday, Barcelona won 1-0 at home against relegation-threatened Alaves thanks to a poacher’s finish by Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona started strongly, with Lamine Yamal appearing to want to dribble past Alaves’ entire team at times, but they were halted in their tracks in the final third. Gavi, meanwhile, was pulled off the field with a head injury, and his teammates appeared to be off their game, but it had the reverse impact on the visitors.
The Blaugrana improved after the break, with Yamal forcing a fine diving save from Jesus Owono before Lewandowski broke the stalemate in the 61st minute, volleying home Yamal’s deflected cross from close range.
After losing points to weak teams like Getafe, Leganes, and Las Palmas in recent weeks, third-placed Barcelona is now only four points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid after this victory.