Disappointing in the game against a team from Deportivo Alavés in poor shape, FC Barcelona snatched the victory (1-0) and came back to one point behind Atlético de Madrid, their next opponent.
Seventh in La Liga before kick-off, FC Barcelona wanted to continue their climb to the Champions League by taking three points from Deportivo Alavés, penultimate in the Championship and currently on a series of nine games without a win in La Liga (4 draws, 5 defeats). To achieve this, Xavi Hernandez had to compose without Depay, Fati, Garcia, Gavi and Dembélé, pending departure during this winter transfer window and officially the victim of stomach aches.
With an attacking trio made up of L. De Jong, Ezzalzouli and Torres, Barcelona started the first half well and L. De Jong, on receiving a cross from Pedri, attempted a volley that flew to the right of the framework. But as often since the start of the season, Barça failed to be dangerous and could even have been surprised before returning to the locker room if Pons had hit his ball better in the area (45th). A disappointing first act, where the Catalans produced almost nothing.
Frenkie De Jong saves Barca
After the break, the blaugranas still lacked precision and the defense of the Basques could resume quietly in front of L. De Jong (49th). A few moments later, Barcelona was still missing after a free kick stretched towards the goal, where L. De Jong and Pique threw themselves … without being able to regain the ball (63rd). The chances piled up, but the Catalan attack failed to exploit them. What give hope to the players of Alavés, who were close to opening the scoring after a header from Joselu which narrowly missed the target (78th).
But despite this disappointing performance, Barca pushed and managed to open the scoring with a nice lobbed pass from Alba to Torres, who could pass on to F. De Jong. The Catalan midfielder could conclude in the empty goal. At the end of the suspense, Barcelona returns to success and goes back to fifth place in La Liga and one point behind Atlético de Madrid (4th), their next opponent on behalf of the 23rd day of La Liga. For his part, Alavés continues his bad run and remains one point behind Cadiz (18th), before going to Elche.
