Live Blog! Deportivo Alavés vs FC Barcelona in LaLiga
Barcelona arrive at Mendizorroza as newly crowned LaLiga champions, but Alavés are fighting for much more than three points in a match that could define their future.
FT' Alavés stun the champions at Mendizorroza
The final whistle blows in Vitoria and Deportivo Alavés secure a massive victory over newly crowned champions Barcelona thanks to Ibrahim Diabate’s first-half goal. A crucial result for the hosts in their fight to avoid relegation.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
90' Three minutes added on
The fourth official signals three minutes of stoppage time as Barcelona make one final push for an equalizer at Mendizorroza.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
89' João Cancelo enters the referee’s book
Frustration is beginning to show for Barcelona as João Cancelo is shown a yellow card after a dangerous foul on Ángel Pérez deep in Alavés territory.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
87' Barcelona make another late change
With time running out, Barça introduces Tomás Marqués in place of Marc Bernal as Barcelona push for an equalizer in the closing minutes.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
81' Abde Rebbach booked after foul on Rashford
Tensions continue to rise late in the match as Abde Rebbach receives a yellow card after bringing down Marcus Rashford in Barcelona’s attacking half.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
64' Alavés respond with two substitutions
Quique Sánchez Flores also turns to his bench as Pablo Ibáñez replaces Denis Suárez, while goalscorer Ibrahim Diabate makes way for Aitor Mañas.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
62' Triple substitution for Barcelona
Looking to change the pace of the match, Hansi Flick makes three changes as Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Xavi Espart come on for Marc Casadó, Roony Bardghji, and Pau Cubarsí.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
46' Rashford booked seconds into the second half
The restart quickly turned heated as Marcus Rashford received a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Nahuel Tenaglia near the right flank, giving Alavés an early free kick in the half.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
46' Second half begins
The action is back underway in Vitoria as Barcelona look to overturn the deficit while Alavés try to protect a crucial lead in their battle against relegation.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
HT' Alavés take the lead into halftime
The first half comes to an end at Mendizorroza with Alavés holding a surprise advantage thanks to Ibrahim Diabate’s goal moments before the break. Barcelona will need a response in the second half.
Score: Alavés 1-0 Barcelona
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
0' Kickoff at Mendizorroza
The match is underway in Vitoria as Barcelona begin their first game as newly crowned LaLiga champions against an Alavés side fighting to avoid relegation.
Score: Alavés 0-0 Barcelona
Deportivo Alavés' Starting XI
FC Barcelona's Starting XI
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.
