45+1' Ibrahim Diabate puts Alavés ahead

Ibrahim Diabate capitalized inside the box after a dangerous corner kick and fired home with his right foot to give Alavés a massive lead just before halftime.

Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona

Barcelona looks to keep up its winning streak

FC Barcelona head into their trip to Mendizorroza with the comfort of already securing the 2025-26 LaLiga title, but Hansi Flick’s side still have important goals to achieve before the campaign ends. After defeating Real Madrid in El Clásico and mathematically sealing the championship, the Blaugrana are now targeting a symbolic milestone: reaching 100 points.

The German manager wants to keep the competitive intensity high despite many players already having one eye on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Squad management will be crucial during the final stretch of the season, which is why several rotations are expected in the starting lineup.

The most notable absence will be Lamine Yamal, who suffered a muscle injury and will not play again this season. The young star’s absence is a major blow to Barcelona’s attacking spectacle, especially considering the level he displayed throughout the campaign. However, the positive news for the Catalans is the return of Andreas Christensen, who is back after a lengthy recovery process.

Alavés arrive under massive pressure in the relegation battle

While Barcelona are enjoying title celebrations, the situation for Deportivo Alavés could not be more different. The side coached by Quique Sánchez Flores enter this match inside the relegation zone with only 37 points, making every remaining fixture feel like a final.

Their recent draw against Elche once again exposed the team’s biggest issue: competing well in stretches but lacking the consistency needed to secure results. Now, facing the champions of Spain in such a delicate moment represents an enormous challenge.

The schedule looks more manageable after this clash, meaning that earning points against Barcelona could completely change the mood heading into the final weeks of the season.

A packed stadium is expected, with intense pressure from the opening whistle as supporters understand that the club’s place in LaLiga is on the line.

Recent history clearly favors Barcelona

The recent head-to-head record between both clubs strongly favors the Blaugrana. Barcelona have won the last five meetings against Alavés in LaLiga, including this season’s 3-1 victory in Catalonia.

Beyond the historical dominance, current form also heavily favors the champions. Barcelona arrive on a strong run after victories against teams such as Osasuna, Getafe, Celta and Real Madrid, showing balance in both attack and defense.

On the other side, inconsistency has defined Alavés’ campaign. Although they managed important wins like the 2-1 result over Mallorca, painful defeats eventually dragged them back into the relegation zone.

Barcelona’s possible squad rotation and Alavés’ desperate need for points could turn this into a much tighter contest than recent results suggest.

Mendizorroza prepares for a high-pressure night

Everything points toward a special atmosphere for the clash between Alavés and Barcelona. Before kickoff, the Basque side will perform the traditional guard of honor for the newly crowned LaLiga champions, an image that will certainly create mixed emotions among both sets of fans.

The match will also test Barcelona’s mentality. Teams often lose intensity after securing a title, but Flick has publicly insisted that his players remain fully focused until the final game of the campaign.

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