Barcelona bounce back from Clasico defeat with thrashing of Alavés
After last weekend's Clasico defeat to Real Madrid, FC Barcelona responded perfectly. The Catalans comfortably beat Deportivo Alavés (6-1) at home on Saturday, returning to winning ways in the best possible style. The result also underlines their strength at home.
Rieltony LOUBOKO · Author profile ·
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Hansi Flick's side needed to turn the page quickly on the defeat suffered against their great rivals. Against Alavés, they were quick to show their intentions. Within the first few minutes, Raphinha opened the scoring, finishing off a fine move started by Pedri and Fermin Lopez.
A one-sided first half
Despite a missed chance for the visitors to get back into the game, Barça kept up their domination. Fermin Lopez, perfectly set up by Lamine Yamal, doubled the lead before Raphinha claimed his second goal from a well-constructed team move. Just before the break, Lamine Yamal also joined the attacking show by scoring his side's fourth.
After the restart, the Catalan side did not ease off. Lamine Yamal, again, bagged a brace by lobbing the opposing goalkeeper. Initially flagged offside, his goal was eventually allowed after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Barça confirm their strength at home
With a comfortable lead, Hansi Flick was able to rotate his squad ahead of the next Champions League fixture. That did not stop the Blaugrana from adding to the score through Anthony Gordon, before Mariano Diaz pulled one back for Alavés late on.
This victory (6-1) allows FC Barcelona to return to winning ways after the Clasico and strengthen their position at the top of the table, with a two-point lead over Atlético Madrid. The Catalans also record their 24th win in their last 25 home matches in La Liga.
For Alavés, meanwhile, the miserable run goes on, with a seventh consecutive match without a win.