Barcelona Regains Balance and Top Spot

Barcelona unleashed their fury on Deportivo Alavés a week after their loss in the Clásico against traditional rivals Real Madrid, thrashing them 6-1 to reclaim the top spot, which Atlético Madrid had temporarily held after their 2-0 win over Levante in the eleventh round of the Spanish football league.

After the Catalan giants suffered their first defeat following a streak of nine consecutive victories, losing 1-2 to their royal rivals, they encountered no difficulty overcoming Alavés.

Goals for coach Hansi Flick’s team came from Brazilian Raphinha (8th and 41st minutes), Ferran López (23rd), Lamine Yamal (45+1 and 64th), and Englishman Anthony Gordon (81st), while Alavés’ sole goal was scored by former Real Madrid striker and Dominican international Mariano Díaz.

Barcelona strengthened their lead at the top with 30 points, two ahead of Atlético, whom they will face next week after days of playing English side Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League, and six points ahead of third-placed Real Madrid, who will face Racing Santander on Sunday.

Atlético Madrid will host German side Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, before welcoming Barcelona to the Metropolitano Stadium next week in league play.