Santi Giménez, deputy editor of AS, sets the stage for a night of contrasting narratives at Mendizorroza. On one side, Alavés fights desperately to avoid relegation; on the other, Barcelona, already crowned champions, aims to finish the season with 100 points—a feat achieved only twice before in La Liga history.
Alavés, with 37 points, currently sits in the relegation zone under coach Quique Sánchez Flores. The battle for survival is tougher than ever, with 42 points potentially not enough to stay up. Since Quique took over, the team has deserved better results but has been let down by a porous defense, conceding 2.2 goals per game and failing to keep a clean sheet in 20 consecutive league matches. Their upcoming fixtures include already-relegated Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano, who have 43 points and are focused on a historic Conference League final, offering a glimmer of hope. However, the immediate obstacle is formidable: Barcelona.
Despite securing the title with a memorable win over Real Madrid, Barcelona remains driven. Coach Hansi Flick stated, “The goal is to reach 100 points,” requiring victories in their final three games: tonight at Mendizorroza, then against Betis at Camp Nou, and Valencia away. Initially, many expected mass rotations to give playing time to fringe players or youngsters like Xavi Espart and Tommy Marqués, but Flick’s pre-match comments suggested fewer changes than anticipated.
Flick also dismissed interest in individual records, noting that Joan García could start to secure the Zamora Trophy for best goalkeeper. Key players like Gavi, Pedri, and Ferran Torres may feature from the start to pursue the 100-point milestone.
Referee: José María Sánchez Martínez. Venue: Mendizorroza. TV: Movistar LaLiga.
La Liga Standings (Top & Bottom)
– Relegation battle: Alavés (37 pts, 18th), Levante (36 pts, 19th), Oviedo (29 pts, 20th)
– Top: Barcelona (91 pts, 1st), Real Madrid (77 pts, 2nd), Valladolid (69 pts, 3rd)
Key Leaders
– Goals: Toni Martínez (12) for Alavés; Ferran Torres (16) for Barcelona
– Assists: Aleñá (38) for Alavés; Lamine Yamal (72) for Barcelona
– Goalkeeper saves: Sivera (92) for Alavés; Joan García (73) for Barcelona
Related News:
– Flick on Lamine Yamal’s Palestine flag gesture: “I don’t like that; we focus on football.”
– Quique Sánchez Flores: “This team must concede fewer goals.”
The match promises drama as Alavés fights for survival against a Barcelona side chasing a historic points record.