Video: Barcelona restore Liga lead

Video: Barcelona restore Liga lead

Barcelona defeated Cadiz 2-0 on Sunday, thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Sergi Roberto, which helped them restore their eight-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Atletico Madrid also earned a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, with Antoine Griezmann’s superb strike tightening their grip on fourth place.

Real Madrid’s win over Osasuna on Saturday brought them closer to Barcelona, who were focused on their Europa League play-off second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Cadiz, who are currently 17th in the league, posed some problems for Barcelona at times during the match, but their victory rarely seemed in doubt. Xavi Hernandez replaced the injured Pedri with Sergi Roberto in midfield, who was instrumental in breaking the deadlock.

Ferran Torres’ arrival also made a key difference for Barcelona in the first half, with his hyperactive performance dribbling past defenders at pace and tying Cadiz’s defence in knots.

Lewandowski doubled Barcelona’s lead three minutes later with a low strike into the bottom corner. Although Barcelona took their foot off the gas in the second half, Lewandowski clipped the top of the crossbar.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen kept yet another clean sheet, with Barcelona having only conceded seven goals from 22 matches in La Liga.

Xavi passionately defended Sergi Roberto after the game, praising the homegrown player’s spectacular attitude and unselfishness.

Ferran Torres, who has struggled this season, took his chance with both hands and his electric performance encouraged Barcelona fans to sing his name.

The coach is hoping his side can prove more sturdy at the back against Man United in the Europa League than they were in the first leg.