Barcelona comprehensively outgun Alaves 6-1 at Camp Nou as Hansi Flick’s side bounce back from two tough defeats with two goals each from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The clear win came as a welcome respite after Barcelona’s Champions League exit at Paris Saint-Germain, and their agonising defeat at Real Madrid last weekend in the Clasico. Fermin Lopez found the well-timed pass that led to the first score and then Raphinha pushed home.
It was the Brazilian, again producing quality shots, finding the net before half-time to further consolidate Barcelona’s lead. Lopez also had an opportunity to score in the 23rd minute when he fired across goal from a tight angle after being set up by teenage wonder Yamal.
The midfielder’s cross was converted at the opposite end to give the hosts another advantage. Soon before the break, Yamal came at Barcelona with the Spanish champions’ fourth goal of the game following a stellar first half. The young forward found his second opportunity in the middle of the second half, adding to the problems faced by Alaves defence, and finding the back of the net with yet another shot. Substitute Anthony Gordon then chipped home Barcelona’s sixth goal and Mariano Diaz then scored a consolation for the visitors.
Barcelona took two points from the Atletico with the win after the Levante team beat them in their home side 2-0. Atletico’s triumph had put the pressure on Flick’s side, but it was Barcelona’s turn now in the title race. Lopez acknowledged the tough week after the game and credited the home fans with their help. He also spoke of the impact of the attacking duo of Raphinha and Yamal, and believed they could do something special.
