Barcelona Aims to Overcome Challenges Against Alavés in La Liga Clash
Barcelona is poised to bounce back following a disappointing defeat against Chelsea. They are set to face Alavés in La Liga on Saturday. A victory would enable Barcelona to surpass Real Madrid in the league standings, just a day before Madrid’s match against Girona.
Recent Performance and League Position
Barcelona has recently narrowed the gap to just one point behind Real Madrid. Madrid’s woes were evident when they succumbed to a heavy 3-0 loss away to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. Coach Hansi Flick acknowledged the defeat but noted positive aspects for upcoming matches.
Defensive Concerns
- Barcelona’s defense showed vulnerabilities in London.
- They missed Íñigo Martínez, who transferred to Saudi Arabia last summer.
- Jules Koundé scored an own goal, while Ronald Araújo received a red card before halftime.
The matchup against Alavés will mark Barcelona’s second game at the Camp Nou, which is undergoing renovations. They recently secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, marking their first official match there in over two years.
Alavés Struggling in La Liga
Alavés has faced challenges this season, losing three of their last four league matches and currently sitting in 14th place. They are on a two-game losing streak and looking to turn their fortunes around.
Looking Ahead
After the encounter with Alavés, Barcelona will enjoy a three-day break before facing Atlético Madrid. This match is crucial as both teams compete for the title.
Madrid’s Recent Challenges
Real Madrid has not been at its best either. They relied on four goals from Kylian Mbappé to secure a 4-3 victory against Olympiakos in the Champions League. Prior to that, Madrid had drawn with Elche and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga and lost 1-0 to Liverpool in Europe.
Key Players to Watch
- Lamine Yamal is expected to make a significant impact after being off-form against Chelsea.
- Kylian Mbappé, currently leading La Liga with 13 goals, aims to increase his tally against a struggling Girona.
Off the Field Developments
Looking ahead, Barcelona plans to hold presidential elections next summer. Two rival candidates have announced their intentions to challenge the current president, Joan Laporta.
This clash with Alavés is a critical opportunity for Barcelona to recalibrate their season and regain momentum in La Liga.
