# Barcelona Win La Liga Round 8 Over Girona, Lewandowski's Double Sets Up Victory
Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Girona in La Liga Round 8 on Saturday, thanks in large part to Robert Lewandowski's brace. The match, played at Camp Nou, saw Barcelona dominate the first half but falter in the second as Girona mounted a comeback. However, Lewandowski's two goals ensured the Catalans emerged victorious, keeping their title hopes alive.
### Match Summary
The game started with Barcelona controlling possession but struggling to break down Girona's defense. Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a clinical finish, but Girona responded in the 52nd minute through a well-worked counter-attack. Despite their second-half struggles, Barcelona managed to find a winner through Riqui Puig's late strike, thanks in part to an assist from Lewandowski. The result extends Barcelona's unbeaten run and maintains their position at the top of the table.
### Key Moments
- **First Half Brilliance**: Barcelona showed their class in the first half, with Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan combining well to create chances. Lewandowski's goal was a reward for their dominance.
- **Second-Half Comeback**: Girona leveled the score with a swift counter-attack, capitalizing on Barcelona's lack of concentration. The visitors seemed to take control, but Barcelona's resilience paid off in the end.
- **Deciding Goal**: Riqui Puig's strike in the 86th minute was the highlight of the match, a testament to Barcelona's ability to grind out results even when not at their best.
### Lewandowski's Impact
Lewandowski was once again the star of the show, netting a brace that underlined his importance to Barcelona. His first goal was a composed finish, and his second was a powerful strike that showed his adaptability in La Liga. His assist for Puig's winner was also a crucial moment, highlighting his unselfish play. Lewandowski's form has been instrumental in Barcelona's strong start to the season.
### Implications for the Season
Barcelona's victory keeps them firmly in the title race, with Real Madrid's recent struggles providing an opportunity to close the gap. The win also demonstrates the depth of Barcelona's squad, even when key players like Lewandowski and Gündogan are not at their peak. Xavi Hernández's ability to get the best out of his players has been a key factor in their consistency this season.
With the match behind them, Barcelona will look to build momentum as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures. A win against Girona has given them a boost in confidence, and they remain a formidable force in the league. For now, the focus is on maintaining their position at the top and challenging for the title.
Barcelona's performance against Girona was a reminder of their resilience and quality, and Lewandowski's double will undoubtedly be a talking point for some time. The match was a reminder that, even in tough moments, Barcelona can find a way to win. For the fans, it was a thrilling encounter that keeps the season exciting.