Olmo Double Sends Barca Top in Chaotic Camp Nou Return

Barcelona overcame early controversy off the pitch and a deficit on it to defeat Deportivo Alavés 3-1 at the Camp Nou on Saturday, a victory that provisionally lifts the defending champions to the summit of LaLiga.

Dani Olmo scored twice, including a stoppage-time clincher, to ensure Hansi Flick’s side capitalized on their dominance. The win moves Barcelona to 34 points, two clear of rivals Real Madrid, who travel to Girona on Sunday with a game in hand. However, the result was nearly overshadowed by logistical failures that left thousands of fans stranded outside the stadium at kick-off.

Ticketing Chaos and a Swift Response

In only their second match back at the partially renovated Camp Nou following two-and-a-half years of redevelopment, the atmosphere was dampened by significant operational failures. A crash in the club’s mobile ticketing app created massive queues at fan support offices, resulting in the match beginning in front of swathes of empty seats.

Those who did make it inside were silenced within 60 seconds. Alavés midfielder Pablo Ibáñez stunned the hosts, pouncing on a loose ball inside the six-yard box after Marc Bernal misjudged a corner.

Barcelona’s response, however, was emphatic. Just six minutes later, Lamine Yamal leveled the scores, meeting Raphinha’s low cross with a powerful first-time finish. The Brazilian winger turned provider again in the 26th minute, setting up Olmo to curl an exquisite effort past Antonio Sivera and give the hosts the lead.

Olmo Seals It as Pedri Returns

While Barcelona dominated possession, the match remained precariously poised until the final moments. Robert Lewandowski saw a close-range effort brilliantly saved by Sivera, while Alavés forward Lucas Boyé threatened twice, firing narrowly wide on swift counter-attacks.

Olmo finally put the game beyond doubt in stoppage time. Combining neatly with Yamal in a smooth one-two, the midfielder slotted home his second of the night to secure the three points.

The evening also marked a significant boost for Barcelona’s squad depth with the return of Pedri. The 23-year-old midfielder made his first appearance in over a month following a muscle injury, playing the final stages to build fitness ahead of Tuesday’s heavyweight clash against unbeaten Atlético Madrid.