Barcelona’s resurgence in La Liga 2026-27 was never in doubt after their emphatic 6-1 demolition of Deportivo Alavés on Saturday night at the Spotify Camp Nou. The result was not just a statement of intent—it was a full-throated rejection of the side that had crumbled under pressure against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain just days earlier. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha each scoring twice, Hansi Flick’s squad reclaimed the league lead with authority, proving that the foundations of their recent collapse were not structural but tactical, and that the fire still burns beneath the surface.
The first half alone told the story of Barcelona’s renewed confidence. Raphinha opened the scoring after just eight minutes, finishing Fermín López’s cross with clinical precision. López himself added the second goal in the 22nd minute, his right-footed strike from a tight angle underlining the precision of their buildup. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation, became the match’s most influential player. His assist to Raphinha for the third goal in the 32nd minute was a masterclass in positional play, while his own fourth strike in stoppage time—after Cancelo’s perfect through-ball—sealed Alavés’ fate. The young midfielder’s rating of 9.4 reflected not just his goal but his all-round dominance: his ability to dictate tempo, his intelligent off-the-ball movement, and his knack for finding space in the most congested areas.
What made this victory even more significant was the context. Barcelona had entered the match having lost back-to-back games to their two biggest rivals, a rare sequence that had exposed vulnerabilities in their defensive structure and midfield balance. Yet against Alavés—a side that had struggled to find consistency this season—the Catalans played with the fluidity and creativity that define their best form. Raphinha’s two goals (his 91st for the club) were a reminder of his growing importance as a creative force, while Anthony Gordon’s strike in the 58th minute added further weight to the result. The substitutes, including Bernal and Balde, contributed with solid performances, their ratings (6.8 and 6.8 respectively) reflecting their tactical roles in reinforcing the midfield and pressing triggers.
The ratings speak volumes about the night’s performance. Yamal’s 9.4 was the standout figure, but Raphinha (8.8), López (9.2), and Cancelo (7.6) all delivered at a level that suggested Barcelona’s recent struggles were more about timing than talent. The defensive unit, led by Rodri (7.9) and Cubarsí (7.7), held firm despite Alavés’ occasional flair, while Fariñas (7.6) and de Jong (7.1) provided the necessary stability in midfield. Alavés, for their part, were exposed by Barcelona’s relentless pressing and clinical finishing. Their highest-rated player, Pérez (7.0), could only muster a solitary goal, while the rest of the squad struggled to match the Catalans’ intensity or technical precision.
This victory isn’t just a footnote in La Liga’s 2026-27 campaign—it’s a turning point. Barcelona have shown they can still dominate when they choose to, and the league lead is now theirs to defend. The question now is whether they can sustain this form against the next wave of challenges, from the Champions League to the remaining domestic fixtures. One thing is certain: after a week of doubt, they’ve sent a message. The old Barcelona isn’t gone. It’s just waiting for its next opportunity to strike.
