La Liga: Can Alaves Add to Barcelona’s Woes?

Deportivo Alaves vs FC Barcelona

A Sunday clash at the Mendizorrotza sees Deportivo Alaves looking to snap their two-game losing run against a strong Barcelona side, that, despite showing strong signs as early favourites to win La Liga, are not without any troubles.

The Babazorros are aiming to get back on track after suffering defeats at the hands of Real Madrid and Getafe.

And whilst Luis Garcia Plaza’s men prepare to face a Spanish giant for the second time in three matchdays, Barca are sure to carry their momentum from dismantling Young Boys in the Champions League, and their fans can only hope that the shocking Osasuna defeat from last weekend is already a thing of the past.

Should the Blaugrana get out of Vitoria-Gasteiz with all three points, then Hansi Flick’s league-leading marauders will extend their stay atop, denting once again the title charge of their rivals from Madrid.

For the Basque outfit, a win can push them to the top half of the table.

 

Talking Points

Alaves could’ve gotten more out of Madrid and Getafe

There were little to no doubts that Real Madrid would bludgeon Alaves in their meeting last week.

And with the match happening at the Bernabeu—along with Madrid’s star power—it was just a matter of scoreline in the end. Instead, Alaves fought tooth and nail and gave the Madridistas more than what they bargained for.

Alaves were on the back foot for most of the game, conceding a minute into the match via Lucas Vasquez.

Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would eventually make it 3-0, but Garcia Plaza’s side didn’t back down and had their well-deserved goal when Carlos Benavidez curled a beautiful shot past Thibaut Courtois.

A couple of minutes in, and it was 3-2, this time from Kike Garcia down the left flank, slotting a goal past Courtois’ far post. Sadly, the comeback was too little, too late and Alaves had to leave the Bernabeu with a bittersweet feeling—if not completely bitter at all.

Then onto the Coliseum against Getafe, where they faced a club still winless at the time. It could’ve been the perfect match for them to steady their ship and get their fourth win, which would’ve propelled them to 13 points.

Instead, the home side took the 2-0 win courtesy of a Mauro Arambarri free kick and a Luis Milla penalty.

Had the Babazorros started their comeback earlier in Madrid and had their penalty appeal—also for a handball—awarded prior to Getafe’s second goal, then things could’ve been very different for Alaves.

 

Barca’s injury crisis

Hansi Flick has already been without several key players for multiple weeks now.

Marquee signing Dani Olmo injured his hamstring way back in Barcelona’s third La Liga match (vs Girona) and hasn’t returned since. Exciting prospect Marc Bernal—who just recently signed a €500 million release clause—tore his ACL in the very first game of the season against Rayo Vallecano.

Gavi is also yet to feature this season alongside Ronald Araujo, whilst Andreas Christensen can possibly return in November.

And now add to that extensive list their first-choice keeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The German injured his knee against Villareal, with backup Inaki Pena deputising the position since then.

To ease their worries, Barca had the recently retired Wojciech Szczesny come out of retirement in order to replace ter Stegen.

With the season starting to ramp up, any additional injury will be a huge blow to Hansi Flick’s side.

 

History

Barcelona and Alaves have played each other 21 times since 2005. Coinciding with Barca’s Lionel Messi era, amongst other Hall of Famers, this matchup is heavily one-sided.

There were 17 wins for Barcelona (three draws) and only one for Alaves.

In their last five meetings, Barcelona have won four times, whilst Alaves were able to salvage a point back in 2021.

 

Betting Tip

Heavy favourites at the SBOTOP La Liga 2024 odds, Barcelona (1.52) are backed by almost everyone to dispose of Alaves (5.00) easily, with a draw (4.00) unlikely as well.

Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are all expected to do well and contribute plenty of La Liga 2024 highlights.

Just like the Madrid match, Alaves will most likely find themselves in trouble early on. They showed, however, that the big teams should not sleep on them as they can, and will, score goals.

If you think Barca will have their shooting boots on once again, the 4-0 scoreline at 25.00 may entice you, no matter the unlikeliness. But then again, it is not outside the realms of possibility, seeing how they are currently performing under Flick.

   

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