Barcelona have returned to the top of LaLiga in spectacular fashion after beating Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at Camp Nou.
The defending champions produced an attacking masterclass, with both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha scoring twice in a performance that highlighted Barcelona’s enormous attacking quality.
Rayo actually shocked the home supporters by taking the lead through Sergio Camello in the 12th minute. Barcelona responded quickly, with Raphinha equalising before Yamal completed the turnaround only two minutes later.
Florian Lejeune’s own goal increased Barcelona’s advantage after the break, but Rayo refused to surrender. Camello scored again to make it 3-2 and briefly put pressure on the champions.
That was when Raphinha stepped forward again. The Brazilian scored his second goal in the 71st minute before Yamal completed his brace in the final minute.
The victory gives Barcelona nine points from three matches and puts them at the top of the LaLiga standings on goal difference.
Yamal’s performance was particularly notable because his second goal marked his 50th goal for Barcelona, an extraordinary achievement for a player so young.
However, the five-goal victory did expose defensive weaknesses. Barcelona conceded twice and were uncomfortable during periods of the second half.
For Hansi Flick, the challenge will be finding a balance between Barcelona’s frightening attack and their defensive vulnerability.