Barcelona clawed their way to the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Alaves at the Spotify Camp Nou! The match was a rollercoaster, with Alaves shocking the home crowd with an early goal from Pablo Ibanez in the very first minute. Ibanez capitalised on a defensive mishap to poke the ball home, silencing the Camp Nou.
However, Barcelona responded quickly. Lamine Yamal, the young star, proved his worth, equalising with a powerful shot into the roof of the net after a clever ball from Robert Lewandowski. Yamal's performance was a highlight, especially after the team's recent defeat against Chelsea.
Dani Olmo then put Barcelona ahead, calmly slotting home a Raphinha cutback. Olmo continued his stellar performance in the second half, sealing the win with another goal in added time, assisted again by the impressive Yamal. This was Olmo's first time scoring twice in a game since November 2024 against Espanyol.
The victory puts Hansi Flick's side two points clear at the top of the table, but Real Madrid could reclaim the top spot if they beat Girona. Barcelona showed resilience after their midweek loss and their confidence is boosted by securing a fourth La Liga win in a row.
Barcelona have now scored in their last 34 La Liga matches, showcasing their attacking prowess. Their next league match is against Atletico Madrid, which will be another crucial test for Flick's team. Alaves, meanwhile, remain just four points above the relegation zone after suffering consecutive defeats.
Player Ratings Highlight Yamal's Brilliance
Lamine Yamal received high praise for his creative masterclass, scoring one goal and assisting another. His performance was key to Barcelona's comeback. Joan Garcia, despite facing early pressure, made some crucial saves. Pedri also made a welcome return from injury, adding further quality to the Barcelona midfield.
Match Details:
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Stadium: Spotify Camp Nou
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 29
- Final Score: Barcelona 3 - 1 Alaves