Alavés vs. Barcelona: Champions Visit Team on the Brink of Relegation

Mendizorroza Stadium will host a clash of La Liga's extremes as newly crowned champions Barcelona visit relegation-threatened Alavés in a match from the 36th round. While the visitors are already celebrating their title, every point is vital for the hosts in their fight for survival in the top flight.

Barcelona enters this fixture on an exceptional run of 11 consecutive La Liga victories. The Catalans secured the title after a 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the previous round and boast 91 points. Hansi Flick's side has demonstrated the best away form in the league, accumulating 37 points from 17 road games so far.

On the other hand, the situation for Alavés is critical. The team sits 19th in the standings with 37 points, two points adrift of safety. In their last five matches, the Basques have managed only one win (2-1 against Mallorca) and are coming off a 1-1 draw against Elche. For Alavés, led by Quique Sánchez Flores, hosting the champions is one of their final three tests that will determine their La Liga fate.

Despite having already secured the title, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has no intention of slowing down. In his pre-match press conference, he was unequivocal: “Our goal is to reach 100 points. We must win each of the remaining three matches.” Flick emphasized the importance of intensity and pride in the team's performance, also praising their improved defensive play, which has made Barça the team with the fewest goals conceded.

The head-to-head statistics are grim for Alavés supporters. Barcelona has won the last five encounters between the two sides, including a decisive 3-1 victory earlier this season at Spotify Camp Nou. In their last visit to Mendizorroza, the Catalans triumphed 3-0. Robert Lewandowski has been a true nightmare for the Basque defense, scoring a total of 7 goals in the last five matches against this opponent.

Barcelona will be without young star Lamine Yamal, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, and the suspended Raphinha. This will likely provide an opportunity for players like Fermín López and Rooney Bardghji. Alavés also faces significant absences – Facundo Garcés is suspended, and Lucas Boyé is out due to a muscle injury. Antonio Martínez and Jon Guridi remain doubtful until the last minute.