Barcelona host Alavés on Saturday 31 October at 20:00 GMT, aiming to return to winning ways. Last week, the team lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and to Real Madrid in the Clásico, 2-1.
The pressure on the team and on head coach Hansi Flick has grown. The coach said he has total confidence in the squad and stressed the need for a comfortable win to ease the tension surrounding the club.
History favours Barcelona
Historically, Barcelona dominate the meetings with Alavés and are unbeaten in 17 previous matches, with 15 wins and just 2 draws. Their last home defeat to Alavés dates back to September 2016, and since then Barcelona have won every home match against this opponent.
Last season, the Catalans won 3-1, in a match in which young Lamine Yamal stood out by scoring the equaliser.
Alavés still without points on the road
The numbers do not favour Alavés, who have yet to win away from home this season, with two defeats and two draws. The team, who have collected 17 cards in this edition of La Liga, are one of seven sides yet to pick up points as visitors.
With only 13 goals scored so far, Alavés are struggling to reach the opposition goal, although they have scored in seven of their last ten meetings with Barcelona.
The match will be shown live on Disney Plus. For Barcelona, it could be a turning point, not only for the players’ morale but also for the continuity of Hansi Flick’s work.
Supporters hope the team will leave the recent disappointments behind. A win could give the club’s sporting project fresh impetus, and what follows will be a test of their ability to cope with pressure at critical moments of the season.
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