Barcelona is gearing up to face Alavés at Camp Nou, and the stakes are high. The Catalans are eager to secure a victory that could boost their position in the La Liga standings and keep the pressure on rivals like Real Madrid. After a disappointing 3-0 loss against Chelsea, Barcelona needs a win to restore confidence within the squad.
Match Preview: Barcelona vs Alavés
Currently, Barcelona has not reached the high standards of the previous season. However, coach Hansi Flick remains optimistic about the team’s potential turnaround. A win against Alavés would not only uplift team morale but also propel Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid, who are scheduled to play on Sunday.
Alavés Struggling Near Relegation Zone
Meanwhile, Alavés enters the match just four points above the relegation zone, following consecutive defeats in their recent matches. They have been struggling early in the campaign, having only secured two victories against Barcelona away since 2000, with their last win occurring in 2016.
- Last Match: Alavés lost 1-0 to Celta Vigo on November 22, 2025.
- Recent Form: Alavés suffered a 1-0 defeat against Girona on November 8, 2025.
Barcelona’s Injury Concerns
Injuries continue to plague Barcelona as they prepare for this crucial encounter. Notable absentees include Pedri and Fermín López, who will be sidelined for two weeks. However, Frenkie de Jong is set to return after serving a suspension, bolstering the squad’s lineup.
Raphinha is expected to make his first start since September 25, while Marc Casadó may take Pedri’s spot. Dani Olmo, also in need of a good performance, is likely to start for López.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona’s Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: García
- Defenders: García, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde
- Midfielders: De Jong, Casadó
- Forwards: Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Alavés’ Likely Formation: 4-4-2
- Goalkeeper: Sivera
- Defenders: Otto, Tenaglia, Parada, Enríquez
- Midfielders: Vicente, Blanco, Suárez, Aleñá
- Forwards: Boye, Martínez
Match Prediction
Expectations are high for Barcelona to dominate the match, especially against Alavés, a side that has consistently struggled to score. A solid performance could see Barcelona not only reclaim their form but also secure a decisive 3-0 victory.
