FC Barcelona celebrated their 126th anniversary with a crucial 3-1 win over Deportivo Alavés, in a match defined by the return of Raphinha to the starting lineup. Fully recovered from his injury, the Brazilian completely transformed Barça’s attacking rhythm with two assists that lifted the team to the top of LaLiga, pending Real Madrid’s result on Sunday in Montilivi.

His intensity, relentless pressing and precision in the final third restored the spark to a Barça side that had missed his impact over the past two months. And he did so in a match that began with a shock.

A Surprising Start and a Barça Forced to React

The game turned against Barcelona from the first minute: a poorly defended set piece left the ball at the feet of Ibáñez, who scored Alavés’ opening goal. The scare could have been bigger when Calebe had another clear chance, but his shot went wide.

Barça reacted immediately. Their high press and Raphinha’s constant movement began generating danger. Tenaglia cleared a Raphinha effort off the line, and soon after, a combination between Alejandro Balde and the Brazilian led to the 1-1 equalizer by Lamine Yamal, who finished with his left foot.

Even though the double pivot of Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal struggled to settle, Barça found the 2-1 through Dani Olmo, who attacked the near post after another assist from Raphinha. Alavés nearly retook the lead, but Joan García denied a point-blank effort from Jonny Otto.

Right before halftime, the Catalans nearly extended their lead when Lamine Yamal struck the post after a one-two with Robert Lewandowski, but the ball crashed off the woodwork.

Barça Dominate, Pedri Returns and Olmo Seals the Win

In the second half, Hansi Flick made adjustments: Marcus Rashford came on for Bernal, and the Camp Nou erupted when Pedri began warming up for his long-awaited return after his Clásico injury.

Raphinha came close to delivering a third assist from a corner that Lewandowski headed on target, but Sivera produced a decisive save. Meanwhile, Alavés lost attacking depth and retreated, though they still created late tension with a one-on-one chance from Guridi, later ruled offside.

Finally, in the last counterattack of the match, Lamine Yamal set up Olmo for the final 3-1, sealing Barça’s victory and sending them to the top of the standings.

Here are all the goals from the match