Olmo nets brace as Barcelona goes top for now
Barcelona temporarily claimed top spot in LaLiga after coming from behind to secure a comfortable 3-1 win over Alaves.
A brace from Dani Olmo after Lamine Yamal levelled proceedings for Barca saw it move two points ahead of Real Madrid, but Los Blancos face Girona on Monday (AEDT).
Alaves made a dream start inside the opening minute at Camp Nou, as Pablo Ibanez tucked away a loose ball from close range to give the visitors a shock lead.
The Blaugrana faithful would have been desperate for a response after their emphatic loss to Chelsea during the week, and promptly received one in the form of Yamal, who hit back to level the scores just seven minutes later, smashing into the roof of the net off Raphinha’s centre.
Joan Garcia was later called into action to deny Jonny, while Olmo put Barcelona ahead in the 26th minute, side-footing a controlled effort past Antonio Sivera from the edge of the area.
Yamal struck the woodwork on the stroke of half-time, his wandering shot clipping the post, while Lucas Boye squandered a great chance for Alaves to equalise at the other end, scuffing wide from close range.
Hansi Flick’s side was then forced to hold on as Alaves mounted a late surge in search of a point, with Pau Cubarsi denying Boye a certain goal at the near post before Garcia sprang into action to parry Jon Guridi’s effort.
Olmo wrapped up the points in stoppage-time, racing on to Yamal’s pinpoint throughball before drilling a low finish into the bottom corner.
Flick said he was delighted to have Raphinha back after the Barcelona forward made his mark on his return from injury.
"Raphinha is a player who gives us dynamism in our play," the German coach said.
"We've missed him, and for me, he's important because he brings a lot of intensity.
"When he starts pressing, everyone is ready to join in. It's very important that he's back, and he'll be important in the upcoming matches. For now, I'm happy with the three points."
Flick, however, was not wholly impressed with Barca's display, particularly with Alaves having gone ahead.
"I'm happy we won the three points, but we have to improve many things.
"Among other things, we had chances but didn't finish them. And that's what we need to improve."
