Lamine gives Barça their first great day at Camp Nou

BarcelonaWhat a club, Barça. 126 years of glory and debate. More than a century of struggle, of falling in love at the feet of players like Lamine Yamal, and of throwing plates at each other. To celebrate the club's birthday, there was a gem on the pitch thanks to the brilliance of the player from Rocafonda, and some chaos in the stands. Lamine Yamal teamed up with a colossal Raphinha to turn around a match in which Alavés struck first. Meanwhile, in the stands, chants against the board erupted after the digital ticketing system failed, leaving many members with seats on the stairs because they weren't assigned any. Beauty and chaos. Football and debates. That's Barça.

The best of Lamine Yamal, capable of conjuring up messianic plays, had been missed.And Raphinha, a special player who stirs emotions, had been missed. The Brazilian has worked his way up from the muddy fields to the biggest stages. A leader because of his fighting spirit and his style of play. And playing in a stadium, the Camp Nou, with its own soul, a place that breathes and gets angry, had been missed, while some fans criticize the president, others remain silent, and still others remember Messi. What would Barça be without those debates and that diversity? Now Pedri is being cheered, having played the last half hour at a high enough level; now the supporters' section is being called for.

To celebrate 126 years, Hansi Flick has started nine Catalan players. A new move, no joke. He's done it partly because he believes in the team, but also because of the absence of players like De Jong, since the Dutchman was a last-minute withdrawal for personal reasons. It was time to believe in Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó, to trust Gerard Martín in defense, and to try to bring out the best in Dani Olmo. Some things went well, and others not so much. It was a Barça side wounded by the three blows they received in London, a team that needed to get the three points with a bunch of players who aren't at their best. Marc Casadó gives his all, but he needs confidence. And Dani Olmo, who scored two goals, seems to be finding that style of play that makes him one of the best footballers on the planet when it comes to slipping into the opposition's box. The player from Terrassa never stopped trying.

Flick needs to get players like himself back to their best. This team hasn't yet solidified its foundations, plagued by injuries and doubts. Barça left Stamford Bridge exposed, and to recover, they relied on heart and grit, fueled by Raphinha's burst of energy and the saves of Joan Garcia, who had his hands full and ended up making two incredible stops. In fact, Alavés scored in the first minute from a poorly defended corner, where the Basque side ran rampant. Flick isn't one to change his mind; he's one to stick to his guns and fielded a very high defensive line, which the visiting players made a mockery of. Eric Garcia, all heart, played on the wing, ready to give his all wherever he was, as the center-backs were Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, who showed some very promising signs, especially when he took possession and found passing lanes forward that allowed them to break through the opposition's press.

Casadó and Bernal played well, without being out of sorts, but also without being decisive in a match where the ball initially moved up and down the pitch, unlike a second half of clear control by Barça. Barça tried to get the ball to Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, who, after losing his duel with Cucurella, was eager to have some fun. The player from Maresme brought the fans in the stands to their feet with his first goal in the stadium and displayed his full arsenal of tricks with plays in which he dribbled past opponents and drew a few fouls. Looking to have fun and entertain the crowd, when he found himself one-on-one with Sivera, he tried to deceive the opposing goalkeeper by stepping on the ball. He is a mischievous player who didn't stop causing trouble in a match where Olmo made it 2-1 before the half-hour mark. While not a great match, Barça competed well, and after halftime, Alavés were no longer a threat.

At halftime, Flick brought on Koundé for Eric, who had taken a blow to the face. He gives his all for the badge, the one from Martorell. Rashford also came on for Bernal, a change that worked to give more control in a match that was effectively decided when Pedri returned to the pitch to secure possession for a team that saw Joan García prevent further damage by stopping the visitors' only shot on goal, a clear chance for Guridi. All this happened just before the third goal finally arrived, in which Olmo received another gift from Lamine Yamal, who was generous. It was time to turn the page after the events in London; it was time to keep the peace and celebrate the 126th anniversary. And so it was, although more than one person missed Lamine Yamal's first goal in the stadium because they were outside queuing due to an unforgivable ticketing error. There's always a problem at Barça.