Although it may not have been the most dazzling performance of Hansi Flick’s tenure, Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Alavés, helping them gain further ground in their quest for dominance in La Liga.
The match began with a tense and highly physical atmosphere, particularly for the young midfielder Gavi. Early in the game, Gavi received a yellow card and just 15 minutes later, he was involved in a severe aerial collision with Tomás Conechni. The brutal head-to-head clash left both players unable to continue, forcing their substitutions and momentarily disrupting the flow of the game.
Following the chaotic opening, Barcelona found it challenging to create meaningful chances. Throughout the entire first half, they managed only a single shot on target, reflecting their struggles in breaking down Alavés’ defensive setup.
In response to the lackluster first-half performance, Flick made critical adjustments to his lineup at the start of the second half. These changes immediately transformed the dynamic of the game, as Barcelona began exerting intense pressure, effectively pinning Alavés back into their own half.
Their breakthrough finally came in the 62nd minute when Pedri delivered a precise ball to Lamine Yamal, who expertly volleyed a cross into the box. Robert Lewandowski capitalized on the opportunity, tapping in his 18th league goal of the season to put Barcelona ahead.
Alavés struggled to mount any serious attacking threat for the remainder of the match, allowing Barcelona to manage their lead comfortably. Flick seized the opportunity to rest several key players, preserving their energy ahead of the crucial midweek Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Valencia.
Barcelona’s victory was made even sweeter by Real Madrid’s unexpected slip-up against Espanyol. This result allowed Barça to close the gap on the league leaders. With the highly anticipated Madrid derby on the horizon next weekend, Barcelona now finds themselves in an ideal position to maintain their upward momentum and further strengthen their title challenge.
