Dani Olmo scores twice as Barcelona come from behind to beat Alaves 3-1 and move top of La Liga ahead of Real Madrid
DANI Olmo struck twice as Barcelona came from behind to beat Alaves 3-1 and move provisionally top of La Liga.
The visitors took a shock lead inside the first minute through Pablo Ibanez after Marc Casado failed to clear a corner.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal equalised for Barcelona, blasting into the roof of the net after Raphinha found him with a low cross.
Olmo gave Barcelona the lead midway through the first half, drilling home inside the near post after another Raphinha cutback.
The hosts struggled to extend their advantage despite several chances, with Yamal hitting the upright and curling another effort narrowly wide.
Alaves almost levelled through Lucas Boye but Pau Cubarsi produced a vital block to keep the Basque side at bay.
Olmo eventually sealed the victory in stoppage time, beating goalkeeper Antonio Sivera after Yamal set him up.
“They caught us a bit by surprise in the first minute, but the team came back well from that situation,” Olmo told DAZN.
“It’s a dream come true to be able to play here, to score and help the team to win.”
Barcelona were without Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, while Jules Kounde was dropped to the bench after his own goal against Chelsea.
Manager Hansi Flick started Raphinha for the first time after injury and brought Marc Bernal back into midfield for his first start since August 2024.
Playmaker Pedri Gonzalez returned from injury in the second half as a substitute, greeted rapturously by the 45,000 fans.
Barcelona now lead second-placed Real Madrid by two points before Xabi Alonso’s side visit Girona on Sunday.
“We couldn’t keep our lead but after that we had our chances,” Alaves defender Jonny Otto told DAZN.
“It’s not easy to make Barca end up asking for the final whistle.” – AFP
