Catalan powerhouse Barcelona, aiming to learn from past mistakes and seeking success in the upcoming LaLiga season.
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Barcelona, Vitoria-Gasteiz. 1st February (EFE) - Coming off back-to-back losses against Las Palmas and Leganés, Barcelona faces Deportivo Alavés this Sunday. With no room for error after their December slump and Real Madrid leading the pack, the Catalans need a win to keep their title hopes alive.
Fresh off securing their place in the Champions League knockout stages, Barcelona is rejuvenated under new coach Hansi Flick. They've strung together five consecutive wins, and the team is head of steam going into this match.
However, in La Liga, Barcelona hasn't strung together two wins since early November. Now, they have the chance to change that and get back on track by taking down Alavés, whom they defeated 3-0 earlier in the season with a hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona will be without Marc-André Ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, and Andreas Christensen for this clash. However, Inigo Martínez returns from injury and will likely partner with one of Pau Torres, Eric García, or Ronald Araújo in central defense. The backline looks strong with Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé in top form, while Wojciech Szczesny starts in goal for the fourth consecutive game.
In midfield, Casado could take back his spot from Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi. Up front, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal look set to start.
Meanwhile, Alavés coach Eduardo Coudet must rally his team after drawing at home but takes heart from their 3-1 win at Real Betis in their last away game. The squad has some injury concerns with Abdel Abqar serving a suspension, Antonio Sivera and Joan Jordán sidelined, and no news on Antonio Blanco's availability.
Alavés' attack has been lethal this season, led by Carlos Vicente and Kike García, who is the league's top-scoring Spanish player. The club recently bolstered their attack with the addition of Pau Cabanes, on loan from Villarreal.
Probable lineups:
Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Alavés: Owono; Tenaglia, Mourinho, Diarra, Manu Sanchez; Blanco, Guevara; Vicente, Carlos Martin, Guridi; Kike Garcia.
Referee: Martinez Munuera (Valencian Committee).
Stadium: Olympic Stadium Lluis Companys.
Time: 14:00.
Positions: Barcelona (3rd, 42 points), Alaves (17th, 21 points).
Quote: Flick: "We must string together several victories to put pressure on Real Madrid."
Fact: Barcelona has gone unbeaten against Alavés in their last 15 meetings (13 wins and 2 draws).
(Note: These stats reflect Barcelona's history with Alavés and do not predict the upcoming match outcome.)
- Hansi Flick, the new coach of Barcelona, has confirmed that the team will runners against Deportivo Alavés in the upcoming football match this Sunday, aiming to extend their winning streak in the European-leagues and LaLiga.
- Despite the recent absence of consecutive wins in La Liga, Barcelona has been in good form, having won five games in a row in the Champions League under Flick's leadership.
- Barcelona will still be missing key players Marc-André Ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, and Andreas Christensen for the match, but Inigo Martínez's return from injury is a boost for the central defense.
- Meanwhile, Alavés, who have shown strong attack this season with Carlos Vicente and Kike García leading the way, have their own injury concerns ahead of the match, with Abdel Abqar serving a suspension, Antonio Sivera and Joan Jordán sidelined, and no news on Antonio Blanco's availability.
- Despite the historical dominance of Barcelona over Alavés, with 13 wins and 2 draws in the last 15 meetings, Flick has emphasized the importance of stringing together several victories to put pressure on Real Madrid in the Spanish LaLiga.
