UPDATE: Barcelona just secured a thrilling 3-1 victory against Alaves in La Liga at the Nou Camp on Saturday, overcoming an early shock. The win propels last year’s champions to 34 points, putting them at the top of the standings, two points ahead of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
The match kicked off amid chaos, with significant ticketing delays affecting thousands of fans. Technical issues with the club’s mobile app resulted in a half-empty stadium at kickoff, putting additional pressure on the team. Yet, Barcelona managed to shake off the unsettling start.
Alaves stunned the home crowd just one minute into the game when Pablo Ibanez scored from close range. A defensive misjudgment from Barcelona’s Marc Bernal allowed Ibanez to capitalize, slotting the ball home effortlessly.
However, the hosts responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old sensation, leveled the score with a powerful finish after receiving a low cross from Raphinha. Barcelona took the lead in the 26th minute when Dani Olmo curled a stunning shot into the net, assisted again by Raphinha.
Despite a near-miss from Yamal, who hit the post in the 44th minute, Barcelona dominated the second half. Alaves keeper Antonio Sivera performed heroics to deny Robert Lewandowski in the 56th minute, but the visitors could not equalize.
The game was put beyond doubt in added time when Olmo finished off a slick one-two with Yamal, sealing a comprehensive win for the Blaugrana. This match also marked the return of Pedri, who came off the bench after a month-long injury absence, providing an essential boost ahead of the upcoming clash against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
With this victory, Barcelona has reaffirmed its dominance in La Liga, while Alaves will need to regroup after this defeat. As the league progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming fixtures, especially Real Madrid’s match against Girona on Sunday. Fans are eager to see if Barcelona can maintain their lead or if Madrid will fight back to reclaim the top spot.
