SOCCER
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal Each Score Twice As Barcelona Beat Alavés 6–1
Barcelona returned to winning ways at Camp Nou, scoring four goals before halftime and maintaining their place at the top of LaLiga.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal each scored twice as Barcelona beat Alavés 6–1 at Camp Nou on Saturday, returning to winning ways after consecutive defeats to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Fermín López and Anthony Gordon also scored for Hansi Flick’s side, who led 4–0 at halftime. Mariano Díaz supplied Alavés’ late consolation as Barcelona stayed top of LaLiga with 30 points from 11 matches.
Raphinha opened the scoring in the eighth minute after Pedri released Fermín, whose delivery provided the finish. Fermín doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute, then created Raphinha’s second goal after winning possession before halftime.
Yamal made it four in first-half stoppage time and added another after the break, finishing from Gabriel Jesus’ pass. A video review confirmed the goal, Barcelona’s official match report said.
Gordon came on for Yamal and scored in the 81st minute from Rodri’s through ball. Díaz replied three minutes later, but the visitors had already conceded six times in front of 53,523 spectators.
Barcelona’s official account said six players were unavailable, including four defenders. Brian Fariñas made his first-team debut at right-back, while Frenkie de Jong played in central defense alongside Pau Cubarsí. Marc Bernal replaced Pedri at halftime.
The result moved Barcelona two points ahead of Atlético Madrid, who had beaten Levante 2–0 earlier Saturday. Real Madrid were six points behind before Sunday’s visit to Racing Santander, Reuters reported.
The win followed a 2–1 home defeat in the Clásico and a 4–2 Champions League loss at PSG. Barcelona’s next European opponent is Aston Villa, who visit on Tuesday.
Fermín finished with a goal and two assists, while Raphinha’s double took him to 15 league goals. Barcelona have now won 10 of their first 11 league matches this season.
