Dani Alves & Adama run riot as Barcelona signings shine

Carlo Garganese

• 6 Feb 2022 11:30 CST
• 4 min read

It was almost the perfect day for Barcelona’s debutants.

Barcelona defeated champions Atletico Madrid 4-2 at Camp Nou in what could prove to be a pivotal moment in the top-four race.

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The Blaugrana signed four new players during the January transfer market; all four of them made their debuts in one way or another on Sunday.

Adama Traore started the match to make his second debut for the club, having returned to the Blaugrana after seven years away on loan from Wolves. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also made his debut following his free transfer from Arsenal, replacing Adama just past the hour mark.

Meanwhile, both Dani Alves and Ferran Torres made their home debuts – the Brazilian, of course, also in his second spell at the club.

Dani Alves’ arrival as a free agent was mocked by many fans, given he turns 39 in a few months.

But the right back showed he still has something to give as he rolled back the years. He provided a delightful assist for Jordi Alba’s beautiful equaliser, floating the ball from right to left as the Spaniard volleyed into the top corner.

His free-kick eventually led to Ronald Araujo’s third goal just before half-time before the Brazil legend added the icing on the cake with a cracking finish for Barca’s fourth.

Alves rifled home from the edge of the area on 49 minutes past a helpless Jan Oblak. He then saluted the crowd like the returning hero he is.

Despite his age, Dani Alves has just as much enthusiasm and love for the game as he ever did. And this was displayed as he was sent off with 20 minutes to go for a petulant kick on Yannick Carrasco. He hasn’t changed one bit!

Adama Traore was just as impressive. He ran riot down the right flank in the first half and was the standout player on the pitch in the opening 45 minutes.

He beat his man and stood up the cross for Gavi to head Barcelona into the lead for 2-1, before going close himself not long after.

Adama’s pace and ability to take on opponents already looked like a huge weapon as the concerns over whether he would be suitable in a short passing game were unfounded on his debut at least.

Ferran Torres did not misplace a single pass in the first 80 minutes as he expertly carried out his role in the false 9 position, just like he did under Pep Guardiola.

The ex-Man City man grabbed an assist of his own for Araujo’s goal and there seems little doubt he will be a top signing for Barca, despite his big price tag of €65m.

The only slight negative was Aubameyang made little impact after coming on but, given he has barely played in months, this was perhaps to be expected.

Barcelona now move above Atletico into fourth position and just two points below Real Betis in third.

It’s been a great start for Barcelona’s January signings.