Barcelona Secures Narrow Victory Over Deportivo Alavés

FC Barcelona clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Deportivo Alavés, marking their second consecutive win in La Liga for the first time since early November at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

This victory was crucial for Barcelona as they continue to chase the league leaders, Real Madrid, narrowing the gap to just four points while Alavés remains entrenched in the relegation zone.

Promising Start

Barcelona entered the match with high hopes after their impressive 7-1 victory over Valencia the previous week. The team looked to replicate that fast start, and they nearly did just that in the fourth minute.

Lamine Yamal displayed his dazzling footwork, weaving past five defenders before setting up Raphinha.

However, the Brazilian winger was unable to convert, dragging his shot narrowly wide of the target.

Unfortunately, the match was momentarily halted after a serious clash of heads between Tomás Conechny of Alavés and Barcelona’s Gavi. Both players had to be substituted, with Conechny being taken off on a stretcher, a concerning moment that disrupted the game’s rhythm.

Alavés Seizes Control

After the initial chaos, Deportivo Alavés began to gain more control of the ball.

However, Barcelona’s defensive organization, particularly their effective offside trap, thwarted any potential threats. Alavés struggled to create meaningful chances, and it wasn’t until the 30-minute mark that Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski came close, sending a strike narrowly wide.

As the first half drew to a close, Barcelona finally managed to test Alavés goalkeeper Jesús Owono. In the 43rd minute, Pedri found space at the edge of the box, but Owono was equal to the task, making a solid save to keep the score level at halftime.

Barcelona Breaks the Deadlock

The second half resumed with a similar measured tempo, and Lewandowski continued to look for opportunities. His header, however, drifted just wide, leaving fans on edge. It wasn’t until the hour mark that Barcelona finally broke the deadlock.

A curling strike from Yamal was tipped over the bar by Owono, leading to a corner kick.

From the resulting set piece, Barcelona’s persistence paid off. After the initial corner was cleared, Pedri maintained the pressure with a crossfield pass to Yamal, who delivered a precise volleyed cross to Leandowski.

The Polish striker made no mistake, firing the ball into the roof of the net for his 30th goal in all competitions this season.

Missed Opportunities

Despite trailing, Deportivo Alavés could not muster a response, failing to register a single shot on target in the second half. Barcelona continued to press for a second goal, with Ferran Torres and Fermín López both coming close to extending the lead.

However, the lone goal proved sufficient for the hosts to secure all three points.

The win was particularly sweet for Hansi Flick’s men, as they maintained their dominance over the Basque side, winning 13 of their last 15 league meetings.