Barcelona 6-1 Alavés: Raphinha and Lamine score twice, Fermín shines and De Jong plays centre-back as Barça end their losing run
After two defeats, Barcelona were 4-0 up at half-time. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal scored twice each, Fermín López scored and made two, Anthony Gordon added a sixth and Frenkie de Jong started at centre-back. Barça move two points clear of Atlético at the top.
Barcelona's answer to two straight defeats was emphatic. Hansi Flick's side beat Alavés 6-1 at Camp Nou on Saturday 31 October, and were 4-0 up at half-time.
The goals
| Minute | Goal |
|---|---|
| 8' | Raphinha 1-0 — Pedri finds Fermín, whose pull-back is finished by Raphinha |
| 23' | Fermín López 2-0 — a brilliant finish from near the byline |
| 41' | Raphinha 3-0 — Fermín wins the ball after an Alavés error and sets him up |
| 45+1' | Lamine Yamal 4-0 — after a quick combination |
| 65' | Lamine Yamal 5-0 |
| 81' | Anthony Gordon 6-0 — from Rodrigo's pass |
| 84' | Mariano 6-1 (Alavés) |
Fermín, Raphinha and Lamine
Fermín López was the best player on the pitch, with a goal and two assists. Raphinha, whose playing time Flick wants to manage before he joins Brazil, scored twice in the first half. Lamine Yamal, third in the Ballon d'Or, also scored twice, and Flick's comment that he is "at the level to win this award" looked well timed — see Flick's press conference.
De Jong at centre-back
With Koundé, Eric García, Christensen, Xavi Espart and Olmo all out, Flick did what he had said he might: Frenkie de Jong started in central defence alongside Pau Cubarsí. Brian Fariñas made his debut on the right. Alavés set up with five at the back to block the middle and counter, but by half-time the game was over.
The title race
| Pos | Team | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barcelona | 30 |
| 2 | Atlético Madrid | 28 (beat Levante on Saturday) |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 24 (at Racing on Sunday) |
The win puts Barcelona two points clear of Atlético, who won earlier on Saturday. Real Madrid play at Racing Santander on Sunday — see the preview.
What's next
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| Tue 3 Nov | Barcelona v Aston Villa (Champions League) |
| Sun 8 Nov | Atlético Madrid v Barcelona (LaLiga) — first against second |
Before this game the squad held a private team meal to reset after the defeats to PSG and Real Madrid — see our preview. It worked.
FAQ
What was the score in Barcelona v Alavés? Barcelona won 6-1. It was 4-0 at half-time.
Who scored for Barcelona? Raphinha (2), Lamine Yamal (2), Fermín López and Anthony Gordon. Mariano scored for Alavés.
Did Frenkie de Jong play centre-back? Yes. He started in central defence alongside Pau Cubarsí because of Barcelona's injuries.
Are Barcelona top of LaLiga? Yes, with 30 points, two ahead of Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid play on Sunday.
