Barcelona Faces Must-Win Match Against Alavés in LaLiga

BARCELONA, Spain — FC Barcelona faces a critical LaLiga match against Alavés on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Montjuïc Stadium. With the team trailing in the league standings, head coach Hansi Flick has emphasized the need for a victory to keep their title hopes alive.

Flick confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny will start as goalkeeper, calling him “the number one for now.” In defense, Ronald Araújo may make his last start before Íñigo Martínez returns to the lineup. Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde are expected to hold their positions on the wings, while Pau Cubarsí and Eric García compete for the remaining center-back spot.

In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is set to anchor the team as the defensive pivot, supported by Pedri and Fermín López. Fermín, who scored two goals and provided two assists in the previous match against Valencia, replaces Gavi in the starting lineup. Flick is resting Gavi ahead of the crucial Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Valencia on Thursday.

Up front, Barcelona will rely on their formidable attacking trio: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. Yamal, who shone in the recent Champions League match against Atalanta, is expected to lead the charge alongside Raphinha, described as the most decisive Brazilian player in the world, and Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer.

Barcelona’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only six points from their last eight league matches. However, their 7-1 victory over Valencia last week has reignited hopes of a strong second-half surge. A win against Alavés would close the gap to just four points behind league leaders Real Madrid, who suffered a surprising 1-0 loss to Espanyol.

Alavés, currently fighting to avoid relegation, poses a potential threat. Under new coach Eduardo ‘Chacho’ Coudet, the team has shown resilience on the road, earning two fewer points than Las Palmas and Leganés, both of whom stunned Barcelona earlier this season. Flick has warned his team against complacency, especially given the early 2 p.m. kickoff time, which coincided with their loss to Las Palmas.

With the Champions League knockout stage not resuming until March 5, Flick has shifted focus entirely to domestic competitions. “Our immediate goal is to collect as many points as possible in LaLiga,” he said. “We cannot afford any more slip-ups.”

Alavés will be without suspended defender Abdel Abqar and injured goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. Despite these absences, Flick has urged his team to approach the match with full intensity. “We must give 100% from the first minute,” he said. “Alavés will do the same, and we cannot repeat past mistakes.”

Barcelona’s next match, the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Valencia, will take place on Thursday, February 6, providing sufficient rest for key players. For now, all eyes are on Saturday’s clash as Barcelona seeks to reignite their title challenge.