Barcelona secured a professional victory over Deportivo Alavés on Sunday afternoon. The Catalans won 1-0 thanks to a second-half goal, with Frenkie de Jong also featuring.
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Barcelona secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alavés on Sunday afternoon, a result that proved crucial in their pursuit of La Liga’s top spots.
The match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys was anything but straightforward for the Catalans, who struggled to break down a well-organized Alavés side but ultimately found a way through in the second half, with Robert Lewandowski providing the decisive goal.
The game started with Barcelona in control of possession, as expected, but lacking a cutting edge in the final third. With Frenkie de Jong starting on the bench after two consecutive starts, the midfield trio of İlkay Gündoğan, Pedri, and Oriol Romeu dictated play but found it difficult to carve out clear openings. Alavés, well aware of Barcelona’s technical superiority, sat deep in a compact defensive block, minimizing spaces for the home side’s attackers to exploit.
One of the bright sparks for Barcelona in the opening period was 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. The young winger, already establishing himself as a key player for the Catalans despite his tender age, was once again at the heart of most attacking moves. His dribbling ability and close control caused occasional problems for the Alavés defense, but his efforts were often met with solid defensive interventions.
The first half, however, was largely uneventful, with only three shots registered, all from Barcelona. This was the lowest number of shots they had managed in a single half this season, highlighting the difficulty they faced in breaking down Alavés. The visitors, despite their defensive approach, did show occasional attacking intent on the counter, forcing Barcelona’s backline to stay alert.
A worrying moment arrived midway through the first half when a heavy collision brought the game to a temporary halt. Carlos Martin and Gavi clashed heads in an aerial duel, leading to a lengthy stoppage as medical staff rushed onto the field. The impact was significant enough to force both players off the pitch, with Barcelona suffering a blow as Gavi—who had recently extended his contract with the club was unable to continue. The loss of such an energetic presence in midfield was a setback, but Barcelona had to push forward regardless.
Recognizing the need for a change, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick opted to make adjustments at halftime. De Jong and Eric Garcia were introduced to inject fresh energy into the team, with the Dutch midfielder tasked with adding more creativity and drive from midfield. The tactical tweak paid dividends as Barcelona looked more purposeful in the second half, pushing Alavés deeper into their own territory.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Barcelona finally found the breakthrough they desperately needed. Yamal attempted a volley inside the box but mistimed his effort, resulting in a fortunate deflection that fell perfectly into the path of Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker, known for his predatory instincts, made no mistake from close range, slotting the ball past the Alavés goalkeeper to put Barcelona 1-0 up. It was his 18th goal of the La Liga campaign, reinforcing his importance to the team.
Despite taking the lead, Barcelona remained cautious, knowing that a single lapse in concentration could allow Alavés back into the game. The visitors, needing a response, tried to push forward in search of an equalizer but found it difficult to break down Barcelona’s defensive setup. Flick’s side controlled possession effectively in the final stages, limiting Alavés to half-chances and ensuring that goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen had little to do.
With no major chances created by either side in the closing minutes, the game ended with Barcelona securing all three points. It was not the most spectacular performance, but it was an efficient and professional display that got the job done.
The victory had significant implications in the La Liga title race. With Real Madrid suffering a 1-0 defeat to Espanyol on Saturday night, Barcelona capitalized on their rival’s slip-up to close the gap at the top of the table. Although they remain in third place, the win keeps them in contention as they continue to push for a strong finish to the season.
As Barcelona looks ahead to their next fixture, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and improving their attacking sharpness. While their defensive solidity has been impressive in recent matches, finding more fluidity and creativity in the final third will be key in their quest to reclaim the La Liga crown.
