Barcelona return to action one final time before the international break when they face Deportivo Alaves tomorrow afternoon in an early kickoff at Estadio Mendizorroza.
Alaves have not been on a good run of form all season, which makes the Catalans the favourites to pick up three points on Sunday.
The Vitoria-Gasteiz-based side have won three games in La Liga so far but are on a two-game losing streak heading into tomorrow’s clash. Their record against Barcelona, moreover, is poor as the Catalans are unbeaten in their past 14 encounters.
Alaves last beat Barcelona at Mendizorroza back in 2001 and Hansi Flick and Co. will look to keep their strong run of form at the venue going.
Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Deportivo Alaves vs Barcelona.
A chance to pull further clear
Barcelona enter Matchday 9 on 21 of a possible 24 points with their only defeat in La Liga coming in the previous game against Osasuna.
Fielding a second-string side, Hansi Flick suffered his first defeat in the domestic competition last weekend with a 4-2 hammering. Real Madrid and Atletico, however, split points at the derby, thus largely preserving Barcelona’s lead on the table.
Flick and co. currently have a three-point cushion heading into tomorrow’s clash but stand a golden chance to improve that lead with a win.
While the Blaugrana face relatively easier opposition in Alaves, Real Madrid are pitted against third-placed Villarreal who have been on song this season. Having lost midweek in the Champions League, moreover, Los Blancos are under pressure.
There is thus a good chance the Merengues drop points later today, and while such a result will pump the Yellow Submarine to 20 points, Barcelona will take the result.
Atletico Madrid, who are fourth on the table meanwhile, face Real Sociedad at Reale Arena. The Basque side may not be flying in terms of form but are still difficult to conquer at home.
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Author : Adithya Eshwarla
Publish date : 2024-10-05 15:40:05
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