Raphinha 9, Olmo 8.5 | Barcelona 3-1 Deportivo Alaves: Player ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona hosted Deportivo Alaves in an early kickoff on Saturday evening in what was only their second game back at the Spotify Camp Nou. Unlike their first which was a comprehensive 4-0 win, this time it was far closer.

The visitors, after all, took the lead after just 45 seconds and put pressure on Barcelona, snatching away their clean sheet and threatening an upset.

Lamine Yamal soon scored the equaliser and Dani Olmo made it 2-1 later in the first half, handing the Catalans the lead.

What followed was an end-to-end display with both sides creating big chances but failing to capitalise. Barcelona largely dominated after the break and had several chances to extend their lead, but Yamal, Olmo and Raphinha missed their mark.

Eventually, however, Barcelona took the game home with the 3-1 scoreline with a late Olmo strike, taking the temporary lead over Real Madrid in La Liga.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona’s second win back at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Joan Garcia: 8.5

The goalkeeper could not keep a clean sheet because the defence let him down in the first minute with some torrid set-piece defending. Yet, he did produce some stunning moments, including a save while lying on the ground to deny Alaves.

Alejandro Balde: 8

Balde’s output and effectiveness in attack seemingly multiplied manifold with Raphinha back in the dynamics and the defender combined with the Brazilian time and time again to open up Alaves’ defence. Was decent in defence.

Gerard Martin: 6.5

Martin has had some solid performances at centre-back this season, but the game against Alaves was not one of them. 

The left-back turned centre-back was far from his best in distribution, slack in defence and often did not even appear to be trying to track back. His distribution, barring the pass to set up the team’s second goal, was exceedingly poor at times.

Pau Cubarsi: 7.5

Cubarsi did decently well to track back on Alaves’ counter-attacks and was reliable with his distribution. Held the offside trap to good effect, although he was beaten on an occasion or two and did make some careless passes.

Eric Garcia: 8

Garcia’s day was cut short by a rough challenge. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The ‘chameleon’ started at right-back and did well to combine with Yamal and even hold off Alaves’ attacks on the wing. Received a harsh blow on his already injured nose midway through the half and was in visible pain and discomfort thereafter, eventually making for Jules Kounde.

Marc Casado: 6.5

Casado was forced to be the leader in midfield with both Pedri and Frenkie de Jong not starting, but the player did not live up to what was completely expected of him.

While he did bring intensity to the field and did decently in defence, his distribution was far too careless at times.

Marc Bernal: 6.5

Making his first start in over a year, Bernal understandably made errors but also had some moments of magic that show promise of what is to come. 

He was far from his best in terms of possession and tackles but did decently with his distribution.

Dani Olmo: 8.5

The game against Alaves was one of Olmo’s finest of the season as he looked far more comfortable in the half-spaces, linked up well with Raphinha and Yamal and even scored a great finish to hand the team the lead in the first half.

Scored the third goal for Barcelona to wrap up the result and secure all three points

Lamine Yamal: 8.5

Back on the scoresheet. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The young winger looked much better than he has in recent games, taking on players more confidently and linking up well with Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia. Scored Barcelona’s opener with an ice-cool finish but also missed a sitter late in the half by trying too much.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.5

The Polish striker had a silent outing, often beaten in the half-chances and struggling to control the ball at his feet. Could have had a clear goalscoring chance or two had his control been better.

Raphinha: 9

It’s like he was never gone. A first start after injury, and Raphinha showed exactly why he has been the team’s most missed player this season.

The Brazilian lit up Barcelona’s left flank, creating chances with wonderfully timed runs behind the defence. Was given the assist for Dani Olmo’s goal, and should have rightfully had the assist for Lamine Yamal’s as well.

In addition, his return added something special to Barcelona’s press and the passion he fought with for every half-chance was exactly what the team have lacked in recent weeks.