Barcelona secured a dominant 3-1 win over Alaves, with Raphinha and Dani Olmo leading the charge and Lamine Yamal also finding the net, continuing their strong La Liga form.
Player Ratings – Barcelona
Joan Garcia – 7
He could not stop Alavés’ early goal, but later produced a pair of important saves — denying both Jonny Otto and Jon Guridi — to keep Barcelona in the game.
Eric Garcia – 6
Struggled at times in one-on-one situations. His afternoon was cut short at half-time after he suffered a blow to the face.
Pau Cubarsí – 7
The young defender delivered a solid, composed display, continuing to assert himself as a reliable presence in Barça’s back line.
Gerard Martin – 7
Comfortable and assured in central defence — he looked at home in the role, which makes sense given the trust placed in him by the coach.
Marc Casado – 6.5
Called upon in the absence of key midfielders, he did enough to help manage the midfield and contribute to control of the game.
Marc Bernal – 6
Making his first start in 15 months, Bernal delivered a decent effort before being substituted at half-time — a move that appeared premeditated.
Lamine Yamal – 7
He smashed home his first goal at the new Camp Nou early in the match and came close to scoring again later in the first half when his strike hit the post.
Dani Olmo – 8
By far his best performance in a while. He was central to Barcelona’s attacking play and was duly rewarded — scoring not only the equaliser but also a second goal late in the game.
Raphinha – 8
His energy and drive were back in force. He set up both of Barça’s first two goals, reaffirming his importance after returning to the starting XI.
Robert Lewandowski – 6.5
Credited with the assist for the equaliser. He came close to scoring himself in the second half, but was denied by a great save from the Alavés goalkeeper.
Substitutes:
Jules Koundé – 6.0: Looked better than in recent games after being re-introduced.
Marcus Rashford – 5.5: Put in a workmanlike shift, though couldn’t add to the score sheet.
Ferran Torres – 5: Tried to make his mark in attack but was unable to find a goal.
Pedri – 5: When he came on, he added some much-needed quality and composure in midfield, reminding fans of the depth Barcelona has when he is fit.