FC Barcelona secured a 3-1 win at Deportivo Alaves on Saturday evening. The Catalans had a strong Ilkay Gündogan in their ranks, but he was injured. One of the visitors’ wild cards had a very short evening
It was a first half without many scoring chances. Barcelona had more of the play, but were rarely really dangerous. On one occasion, however, Gündogan switched gears at lightning speed and played the ball perfectly into the path of Lewandowski. The Pole took the ball with a bit of luck and lobbed it over keeper Sivera to take the lead (22′).
Alaves did not hide, but struggled to make a decisive impact in attack. However, the home side had a great chance, but Guridi’s free header from six meters was too central (35′). The Catalans went into the half-time break with a narrow but deserved lead after Samu failed to hit the ball perfectly on the volley (42′).
Samu answers Gündogan immediately
After the break, things got off to an energetic start: Pedri’s superb cross found Gündogan, whose volley was turned into the net to make it 2:0 (49′). However, Alaves had an immediate response, with Samu’s powerful header giving the hosts the lead (51′). It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Catalans, who also had to replace Gündogan (one goal, one assist) in the 59th minute – the captain of the German national team was suffering from an injury.
But Barcelona had the right answer and, as against Osasuna, were able to rely on Vitor Roque: The joker scored just four minutes after coming on as a substitute and restored the old gap (63′). A short time later, however, Vitor Roque’s brief appearance was over again, as the attacker, who had just been cautioned, was shown the yellow card in the 72nd minute. But that was a harsh decision, as he had barely hit Rafa Marin, who had gone into the tackle with an outstretched leg. Was there anything left for Alaves? No, as the Catalans played it cleverly when outnumbered and brought home the 3:1.
And what happens next? Alaves face Villarreal next Saturday (2pm). Barcelona do not play until Sunday (9pm) at home against Granada.
