Hansi Flick delivered a definitive response to recent doubts after Barcelona crushed Alaves 6-1 at Camp Nou, snapping a two-game losing streak. The Catalan giants bounced back from defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid with a ruthless attacking display, securing their place in La Liga’s upper echelon. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha starred with two goals each, while Fermin Lopez and Anthony Gordon added further strikes to a comprehensive tally. Only Mariano Diaz managed a late consolation for the visitors, but Barcelona were already out of reach following a dominant first hour.
Barcelona’s 6-1 rout of Alaves ends slump as manager explains tactical rest for star winger
The victory marked a significant tactical shift for Flick, who finally rested his teenage sensation for the final 20 minutes of the match. Yamal has carried a heavy workload this season, starting all 18 competitive matches for both Barcelona and Spain. By substituting him with the scoreline secure, Flick prioritized long-term player management over short-term risk. This decision underscores the depth of Barcelona’s squad, allowing the manager to rotate his key assets without sacrificing competitive intensity.
Post-match, Flick dismissed concerns about the substitution, describing the decision as an “easy” one given the game’s state. He praised his attacking stars for their collective effort, noting that the team’s dominance made the rotation seamless. This emphatic win not only restores confidence after the high-profile losses to PSG and Madrid but also signals that Barcelona’s attacking machinery remains fully operational. With Yamal fresh for upcoming fixtures, Flick’s side is poised to challenge for the title with renewed momentum.
Source: Yahoo Sports
