Raphinha, Yamal score braces as Barcelona beat Alaves 6-1

By Halis Sunnetci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Raphinha and Lamine Yamal each scored twice as Barcelona defeated Deportivo Alaves 6-1 at Camp Nou on Saturday in Week 11 of the Spanish La Liga.

Fermin Lopez also delivered an impressive performance, scoring once and providing two assists as Hansi Flick's side strengthened their position at the top of the standings.

Barcelona took the lead in the eighth minute when Pedri played Fermin through on the right, and the midfielder squared the ball for Raphinha to finish from close range.

Fermin doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute after Yamal played him into the penalty area. Despite being near the right byline, the Spaniard struck a first-time shot from a tight angle past goalkeeper Antonio Sivera.

Raphinha completed his brace in the 41st minute when Fermin won possession in midfield and delivered a through ball for the Brazilian captain, who calmly finished into the far corner to make it 3-0.

The brace brought Raphinha's tally to 15 goals in 10 league appearances this season, extending his lead at the top of La Liga's scoring charts.

Barcelona added a fourth in first-half stoppage time when Joao Cancelo set up Yamal on the edge of the penalty area, and the teen fired a powerful finish past Sivera.

The hosts entered halftime with a commanding lead.

Raphinha was replaced by Gabriel Jesus in the 62nd minute, ending his hopes of completing a hat-trick.

Two minutes later, Yamal completed his brace after Tenaglia misjudged Gavi's header, allowing Jesus to collect the ball and play the teen through on goal.

Yamal chipped the ball above Sivera, and although the goal was initially ruled out for offside, a VAR review overturned the decision to make it 5-0.

Barcelona extended their lead in the 81st minute when Rodri played a through ball for substitute Anthony Gordon, who lifted his finish above Sivera to score the hosts' sixth goal.

Alaves pulled one back three minutes later when Mariano Diaz collected a loose ball, drove into the penalty area and fired a low shot past Joan Garcia.

The victory lifted Barcelona to 30 points after 11 matches, keeping them at the top of La Liga. Alaves remained on 12 points.

Halis Sünnetci