Barca hammer Alaves to retain Liga top spot
Barcelona secured a dominant 6-1 victory over Alaves to reclaim the top spot in La Liga. The win follows a difficult week for the club, which included recent losses in the Champions League and El Clasico.
Why it matters
The result is crucial for Barcelona's title defense and morale following a period of poor performance.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal each struck twice as Barcelona thrashed Alaves 6-1 on Saturday to reclaim their La Liga lead and get back on track after two damaging defeats.
Earlier Atletico Madrid, second, earned a solid 2-0 win at Levante, but Barca moved back two points clear of the Rojiblancos by routing the Basque visitors at Camp Nou.
Still stinging after a Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and then last weekend's La Liga home Clasico loss against rivals Real Madrid, Hansi Flick's side found their groove once more.
Raphinha netted twice in the first half, either side of a Fermin Lopez strike, and Yamal found the net just before the interval.
Teenage winger Yamal netted again midway through the second half and substitute Anthony Gordon chipped home Barca's sixth, before Mariano Diaz pulled one back for Alaves.
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