Barcelona staged a impressive comeback to defeat Deportivo Alavés 3-1 at the Camp Nou, a victory that sends them to the summit of the La Liga table. The win was sealed by a decisive double from midfielder Dani Olmo.
Barcelona's Comeback Seals Top Spot
The match began in shocking fashion for the defending champions, as Alavés took a surprise lead after just one minute through Pablo Ibáñez. The early setback jolted the home side into action, and they found an equaliser just seven minutes later. The brilliant Raphinha was the architect, providing an assist for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who unleashed a powerful one-touch finish into the top corner.
The momentum had firmly shifted, and Barcelona took the lead in the 26th minute. Once again, Raphinha was instrumental, setting up Dani Olmo who expertly curled a first-time shot into the net from inside the penalty area. The Blaugrana controlled much of the game from this point, but it was in stoppage time that Olmo put the result beyond any doubt, finishing a smooth one-two with Yamal to slot home calmly and complete his brace.
League Standings and Bavarian Drama
This crucial 3-1 win lifts Barcelona to the top of the La Liga standings with 34 points, putting them two points clear of their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. However, Madrid retain a game in hand, which they will play against Girona on Sunday.
In parallel Bundesliga drama, Bayern Munich also engineered a late comeback, scoring two stoppage-time goals to overcome strugglers St Pauli 3-1. After falling behind early to an Andreas Hountondji strike, Bayern dominated possession but were frustrated, hitting the woodwork three times. Raphaël Guerreiro eventually drew them level just before halftime.
The match seemed destined for a draw until Luis Díaz headed in the crucial go-ahead goal early in added time. Nicolas Jackson then sealed the dramatic victory with a third goal in the dying moments. This hard-fought win means Bayern Munich have set a new Bundesliga record of 44 consecutive rounds at the top of the table.
What This Means for the Title Race
For Barcelona, the victory provides a significant psychological boost in a tightly contested title race. Overcoming an early deficit to win convincingly demonstrates a resilience that will be vital in the coming months. The performances of young Lamine Yamal and the in-form Dani Olmo are particularly encouraging signs for manager Xavi Hernández.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, have shown for the second consecutive week that they possess the character to fight until the final whistle. Bouncing back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Arsenal, this record-setting win reinforces their status as the team to beat in Germany, even when not at their fluid best.
