Barcelona turns the score around

Lamine ties the score

Alavés surprises Barcelona!

FC Barcelona return to the Spotify Camp Nou this Saturday needing to steady their European form and extend their strong domestic run in LaLiga, where they have won three straight matches. Their opponent, Deportivo Alavés, arrive with doubts away from home but aiming to trouble a Barça side forced into several lineup changes.

Flick Shuffles the Deck: Bernal and Casadó Form a New Double Pivot

The squad list brought an unexpected absence: Frenkie de Jong will not be available due to late discomfort. In addition, Pedri, although recovered from his femoral biceps injury, will return gradually and start on the bench. Given the circumstances, Hansi Flick will field for the first time this season a double pivot formed by Marc Bernal and Marc Casadó, an unprecedented pairing in official matches.

Another surprise will be Eric García starting at right-back, pushing Jules Koundé out of that role. In attack, Raphinha returns to the XI after gaining minutes against Athletic Club and Chelsea, joining Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in a forward line that has played only 21 minutes together all season.

Barça will also be without Ronald Araujo, sidelined due to a stomach virus. His place in central defense could be taken by Andreas Christensen alongside Pau Cubarsí, depending on whether Flick uses Eric García again as a holding midfielder in certain phases.

An Alavés Side Seeking to End Their Away Struggles

Deportivo Alavés arrive intent on addressing their issues on the road: they have won just once away from Mendizorroza this season, a 0-1 victory at San Mamés. Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet is expected to introduce changes, including Víctor Parada replacing Youssef Enriquez and the return of Pablo Ibáñez to the midfield to reinforce that zone.

The Basque side, coming off two straight defeats to Girona and Celta, seek a reaction despite not beating Barça since 2016. The defensive line will feature Jonny Otto, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jon Pacheco and Yusi, while Antonio Blanco and Denis Suárez —a former Barça player— aim to control the rhythm of the match. Up front, Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez carry the responsibility for an attack that creates chances but struggles for efficiency.

A Match With Immediate Impact on the Standings

After their European setback at Stamford Bridge, Barça have the chance to move into provisional first place if they defeat Alavés. With recent wins over Elche, Celta and Athletic Club, Flick’s team have cut four points off Real Madrid’s lead, with the league leaders not playing until Sunday in Montilivi. A Barça victory would force Madrid to respond in order to keep hold of the top spot in LaLiga.

The Camp Nou braces for another decisive afternoon in the battle for first place.