Barcelona will continue their chase for La Liga leaders Real Madrid when they host Alaves at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday. With the title race heating up, securing three points is crucial for the Catalan giants.
Currently third in the standings, Barcelona is seven points behind Real Madrid, while Alaves sits precariously in 17th, just one point above the relegation zone. Both teams will be desperate for a positive result at this decisive stage of the season.

| Teams | Total Matches (All Competitions) | Wins (All Competitions) | Defeats (All Competitions) | Draws (All Competitions) | Total Matches (La Liga) | Wins (La Liga) | Defeats (La Liga) | Draws (La Liga) | Top Goalscorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 48 | 34 | 7 | 7 | 37 | 25 | 5 | 7 | Lionel Messi (13 goals) |
| Alaves | 7 | 34 | 7 | 5 | 25 | 7 |
FC Barcelona vs Alaves Team News
FC Barcelona
Defensive injuries continue to be a concern for Barcelona. Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Andreas Christensen is also unavailable. Inigo Martinez is nearing a return from a muscular issue but may not be risked. Dani Olmo is still out and is expected to return in the Copa del Rey next week. Pau Cubarsi and Marc Casado are likely to return to the starting lineup, providing fresh legs after their midweek Champions League clash.
Alaves
The team will be without Abdel Abqar, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Celta Vigo. Antonio Blanco returns from suspension and is expected to start in midfield. Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera remains sidelined with a hand injury. Santiago Mourino could step in to replace Abqar in defense. Kike Garcia, who has netted nine La Liga goals this season, will once again lead the attack.
FC Barcelona vs Alaves Full Squad
FC Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inaki Pena, Wojciech Szczesny, Ander Astralaga, Diego Kochen, Aron Yaakobishvili, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Hector Fort, Gerard Martin, Sergi Dominguez, Andres Cuenca, Alvaro Cortes, Gavi, Pedri, Pablo Torre, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Noah Darvich, Guille Fernandez, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Pau Victor, Lamine Yamal, Toni Fernandez
Alaves: Antonio Sivera, Jesus Owono, Adrian Rodriguez, Gregoire Swiderski, Facundo Garces, Manu Sanchez, Aleksander Sedlar, Abdel Abqar, Santiago Mouriño, Nahuel Tenaglia, Moussa Diarra, Egoitz Munoz, Eneko Ortiz, Alejandro Jay, Adrian, Ander Guevara, Antonio Blanco, Jon Guridi, Carlos Benavidez, Joan Jordan, Daouda Doumbia, Pau Cabanes De La Torre, Carlos Vicente, Asier Villalibre, Tomas Conechny, Toni Martinez, Carlos Martin, Hugo Novoa, Enrique Garcia, Julen Lartitegi
FC Barcelona vs Alaves Key Aspects
Barcelona's league form has been inconsistent, with just two wins in their last nine games. Their recent 7-1 thrashing of Valencia was a much-needed boost, but they have struggled for momentum, losing crucial ground in the title race. With Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid playing before them, the gap could widen further, making this a must-win game.
Alaves have struggled this season but have shown resilience in recent weeks, losing just once in their last seven league games. They have picked up four points in their last two matches, including an impressive 3-1 win over Real Betis. Additionally, they are unbeaten in their last three away games, which could boost their confidence heading into this match.
FC Barcelona vs Alaves Predicted XI
FC Barcelona Probable XI: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Alaves Probable XI: Owono; Tenaglia, Mourino, Diarra, M Sanchez; Guevara, Benavidez; Vicente, Guridi, Conechny; Kike Garcia