Dani Olmo scores twice as Barcelona beat Alaves 3-1 to go top of La Liga

Dani Olmo scores twice as Barcelona beat Alaves 3-1 to go top of La Liga

Dani Olmo struck a brilliant brace on Saturday as Barcelona defeated Alaves 3-1 to move provisionally top of La Liga, continuing their strong return to the partially rebuilt Camp Nou.

Barca were stunned early when Pablo Ibanez put Alaves ahead inside the first minute after a defensive lapse from Marc Casado. But the Catalans hit back quickly through teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who smashed into the roof of the net after being picked out by the returning Raphinha.

Olmo completed the turnaround midway through the first half, drilling home at the near post from another Raphinha assist, before sealing victory with a stoppage-time strike set up by the electric Yamal.

The win came just days after Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, which muted their 126th-anniversary celebrations. Coach Hansi Flick was without key players Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, while Jules Kounde began on the bench following his own goal in midweek.

READ ALSO:

• Bishop Matthew Kukah Rejects Claims of Christian Persecution in Nigeria, Calls for Unity, Accurate Data
• BREAKING: Tinubu Sends 32 Ambassadorial Nominees to Senate, Includes Omokri, Fani-Kayode, Yakubu
• DSS Invites Datti Baba-Ahmed Over Alleged Inciting Comments Against the Nigerian State

Raphinha made his first start since returning from injury, while Marc Bernal earned his first appearance since August 2024 after recovering from knee surgery.

Alaves were far more resilient than Bilbao, who were thrashed 4-0 in Barca’s first homecoming last weekend. They nearly equalised again before half-time, with Lucas Boye and Calebe testing the hosts, but goalkeeper Joan Garcia and defender Pau Cubarsi produced crucial interventions.

Flick introduced Pedri in the second half to rapturous applause from the 45,000 fans in attendance. Yamal and Olmo both came close to extending the lead before Olmo finally made it safe in stoppage time, slotting beyond Antonio Sivera to earn Barcelona a deserved victory.

The win lifts Barcelona to the top of the La Liga table, pending other weekend results.

Dani Olmo scores twice as Barcelona beat Alaves 3-1 to go top of La Liga