Barcelona thrashed Alaves 6-1 at Camp Nou to reclaim the La Liga lead after consecutive defeats to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Real Madrid in the previous weekend's Clasico. Raphinha netted twice in the first half while Lamine Yamal also bagged a brace, with Fermin Lopez and substitute Anthony Gordon adding goals. The victory moved Barcelona two points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who won 2-0 at Levante.
Manager Hansi Flick deployed an injury-depleted defence, fielding Frenkie de Jong at centre-back and Brian Farinas at right-back in his first start. The unconventional setup proved inconsequential as Barcelona's attack overwhelmed Alaves, with Yamal and Raphinha particularly dominant. Mariano Diaz scored a late consolation for the visitors.
Barcelona face Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling to Atletico Madrid in a La Liga showdown next Sunday.
