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Barcelona responded to last weekend’s El Clasico defeat in emphatic fashion, beating Deportivo Alaves 6-1 to claim their 24th home win in their past 25 LaLiga matches.
Hansi Flick’s side made an immediate statement, taking the lead through Raphinha after only a brief spell of pressure. Pedri’s incisive pass released Fermin Lopez behind the Alaves defence, and he kept his composure before cutting the ball back for Raphinha to finish.
Alaves had an opportunity to level almost immediately. Angel Perez drove forward down the left and picked out Abde Rebbach unmarked at the far post, but the forward sent a promising chance high over the crossbar.
Barcelona punished that miss midway through the first half. Lamine Yamal slipped a precise pass behind the visiting defence, allowing Fermin to take control and fire into the far corner for his second goal.
The hosts continued to dominate and extended their advantage before half-time with two more goals.
Raphinha completed a flowing Barcelona move when Fermin sent him through on goal, while Lamine added a fourth with a powerful strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. Barcelona went into the interval with a commanding lead after an outstanding 45 minutes.
Their attacking momentum continued after the restart, although they missed the chance to add another when Karim Adeyemi was left unmarked six yards from goal. With only Antonio Sivera to beat, Adeyemi somehow diverted his effort well over the bar.
Barcelona did not ease off despite the result appearing secure. Lamine was sent through the centre and calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Sivera to make it 5-0.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision and confirmed Lamine’s 10th league goal of the season.
With a major UEFA Champions League meeting with Aston Villa to come on Tuesday, Flick was able to substitute some of his leading players during the closing stages. Barcelona still added a sixth, however, as Anthony Gordon raced behind the Alaves defence before chipping the ball into the net.
Alaves salvaged a late consolation through Mariano Diaz, but the goal could not prevent their winless run from reaching seven matches. They remain in the top half of the table.
Barcelona, meanwhile, stay at the top of LaLiga, two points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)