Barcelona Secure Provisional Lead in La Liga as Atletico Climb to Third Place
Barcelona, the defending champions, climbed temporarily to the summit of La Liga on Saturday courtesy of a 3-1 victory against Alaves, where midfielder Dani Olmo scored two goals.
Following an early shock when Pablo Ibanez put the away team ahead in the opening minute, Barcelona responded with a goal from young sensation Lamine Yamal, assisted by the recently recovered Raphinha.
Olmo put Barcelona in front during the middle of the first half and added another late strike to confirm their success in the second game back at their renovated Camp Nou stadium.
Barcelona now hold a two-point advantage over Real Madrid in second position ahead of Xabi Alonso's team facing Girona on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid advanced to third spot, one point adrift of Real Madrid, after a 2-0 triumph over Real Oviedo later that day, powered by Alexander Sorloth's pair of goals.
Coming off a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League during the week, Barcelona's 126th anniversary festivities were somewhat restrained, yet they managed a fourth straight league win.
"They surprised us right at the start, but the squad recovered nicely from that, sticking to our playing style," Olmo shared with DAZN.
Barcelona missed Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, while Jules Kounde was benched after his own-goal in the Stamford Bridge match.
Flick handed Brazilian winger Raphinha his first start post-injury and reintegrated Marc Bernal into the midfield for his initial Barcelona appearance since August 2024, following extended absence due to knee operation.
Barcelona had dominated Athletic Bilbao 4-0 in their previous home return last week, but Alaves put up a fiercer challenge.
The away side struck first within 60 seconds, Ibanez converting after Marc Casado mishandled a corner kick.
Raphinha Plays Pivotal Role
Flick's team hit back swiftly, Yamal smashing the ball into the top corner after Raphinha delivered a precise low pass.
Barcelona's keeper Joan Garcia produced an outstanding stop to thwart Calebe shortly before the home side went ahead. Raphinha passed across for Olmo to fire into the bottom corner.
Yamal nearly made it two for Barcelona, but after bypassing Antonio Sivera, he could only hit the post.
Barcelona's creative midfielder Pedri Gonzalez made his injury comeback as a second-half substitute, receiving a warm welcome from the 45,000 supporters in the available sections.
Each team created a few solid opportunities before Olmo grabbed the third in added time, outpacing Sivera with help from the lively Yamal.
"(Flick) believes the team is not yet at peak form, and I concur," Raphinha commented.
"We need substantial improvement, but still, securing the victory was the priority today."
Flick noted his side surrendered possession excessively but was content with the outcome and especially the comebacks of vital players Raphinha and Pedri ahead of hosting Atletico on Tuesday.
"I am delighted they are available again. Winning these three points is the key achievement today," Flick stated.
Atletico Keep Momentum
Sorloth's efforts in the first period enabled Atletico to cruise past league basement dwellers Oviedo 2-0 at the Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone's outfit remains undefeated in 13 league outings since their initial loss to Espanyol, sitting three points behind Barcelona.
Sorloth netted from near range after 16 minutes and rifled in his brace 10 minutes on, both assisted by David Hancko.
"No matter the duration, be it 15, 20, 60 or 90 minutes, (Sorloth) holds immense value for us with unique traits none else in the squad match," Simeone explained to DAZN.
"We require such output from him. He is the striker we seek, and I expect he is pleased with his showing and scores."
After a patchy beginning to the season, Simeone's group has hit stride.
"We are performing solidly now, both in defence and attack," said custodian Jan Oblak to DAZN.
"Honestly, we have been solid lately, but consistency is vital. History is irrelevant. The focus is ahead."