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Football fans, brace yourselves! Today, February 2, 2025, FC Barcelona is set to face Deportivo Alavés in a highly anticipated LaLiga clash. This match holds significant weight for both teams, each vying for crucial points at this juncture of the season.
Match Details
- Date and Time: Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM local time.
- Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona.
- Broadcast Channels:
- beIN Sports HD 1
- Sport TV1 Portugal
- Diema Sport 2 HD
- SuperSport Máximo 1
- Digi Sport 2 HD Romania
Team Overviews
FC Barcelona
Currently sitting third in LaLiga, Barcelona is determined to close the gap on the leaders. Their recent 7-1 demolition of Valencia showcased their attacking prowess, with Fermin López stealing the spotlight by contributing two goals and two assists. However, manager Hansi Flick has emphasized the need for defensive solidity, especially given their recent struggles at the back.
Deportivo Alavés
Alavés finds themselves in a precarious position, hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th place. Despite their challenges, they've shown resilience under new coach Eduardo Coudet, losing only once in their last six league outings. Their recent 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo highlighted their fighting spirit, with Kike García continuing his fine form in front of goal.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, Barcelona has dominated this fixture. In their last meeting on October 6, 2024, the Catalans secured a 3-0 victory, with Robert Lewandowski netting a hat-trick. Over the past 15 encounters, Barcelona has emerged victorious 13 times, underscoring their superiority in this matchup.
First Leg Recap
The first leg of this season saw Barcelona cruise to a 3-0 win over Alavés. Lewandowski was the star of the show, showcasing his lethal finishing with a memorable hat-trick. Alavés struggled to contain Barcelona's fluid attacking play and will be eager to put up a better fight in the return fixture.
Key Players to Watch
FC Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski: The Polish striker has been in scintillating form, boasting 17 league goals this season. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement make him a constant threat to any defense.
Fermin López: Emerging as a rising star, López's recent performance against Valencia, where he bagged two goals and provided two assists, has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Deportivo Alavés
Kike García: Leading Alavés' attack, García has netted nine goals this season. His physicality and aerial prowess pose significant challenges for defenders.
Antonio Blanco: Returning from suspension, Blanco's presence in midfield will be crucial for Alavés as they aim to disrupt Barcelona's rhythm and establish control in the center of the park.
Tactical Analysis
FC Barcelona's Strategy
Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona has adopted an aggressive attacking approach, often deploying a 4-3-3 formation. With Lewandowski spearheading the attack, wingers like Raphinha provide width and pace, stretching opposition defenses. The midfield trio focuses on controlling possession and dictating the tempo, while the full-backs push high to support offensive plays.
Tactical Analysis
FC Barcelona's Strategy
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, has embraced an aggressive attacking approach, often deploying a 4-3-3 formation. With Lewandowski leading the attack, wingers like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal provide width and pace, stretching opposition defenses. The midfield trio, typically featuring Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Ilkay Gündoğan, focuses on controlling possession and dictating the tempo. The full-backs push high to support offensive plays, allowing Barcelona to dominate play in the final third.
Defensively, Barcelona has had some inconsistencies. While Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé provide a solid central defensive partnership, lapses in concentration have led to avoidable goals. Flick will likely emphasize defensive discipline to prevent Alavés from capitalizing on counterattacks.
Deportivo Alavés' Approach
Alavés will likely adopt a defensive 4-4-2 formation, prioritizing compactness and counterattacking opportunities. Given Barcelona's dominance in possession, Alavés will seek to soak up pressure and hit on the break through quick transitions.
The presence of Kike García up front gives Alavés a target man capable of holding up play and bringing others into the attack. Meanwhile, Antonio Blanco and Jon Guridi will be crucial in midfield, tasked with disrupting Barcelona's rhythm and launching quick counterattacks. Defensively, Aleksandar Sedlar and Abqar Mohammed must remain organized to withstand Barcelona's relentless attacks.
Injury and Suspension Updates
FC Barcelona
Gavi - Out for the season due to ACL injury
João Cancelo - Doubtful with a muscle strain
Pedri - Recovering from a minor knock but expected to be available
Deportivo Alavés
Andoni Gorosabel - Suspended due to accumulated yellow cards
Carlos Benavidez - Sidelined with a knee injury
Market Value Comparison
According to Transfermarkt, the total market value of both teams highlights the financial disparity between the clubs:
FC Barcelona: €880 million
Deportivo Alavés: €90 million
Key Players' Market Values:
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) - €25 million
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) - €70 million
Ilkay Gündoğan (Barcelona) - €30 million
Kike García (Alavés) - €3 million
Antonio Blanco (Alavés) - €4.5 million
The difference in market value underscores Barcelona's superior squad depth and quality. However, Alavés will aim to prove that financial strength doesn't always determine match outcomes.
Stadium Spotlight: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
With the Camp Nou undergoing renovations, Barcelona has temporarily relocated to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Originally built for the 1992 Olympics, this stadium accommodates 55,926 fans, providing a unique atmosphere. While the transition has been challenging, Barcelona has turned it into a fortress, losing just once at home this season.
Predicted Lineups
FC Barcelona (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
Defenders: Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündoğan, Pedri
Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal
Deportivo Alavés (4-4-2)
Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
Defenders: Rubén Duarte, Aleksandar Sedlar, Abqar Mohammed, Nahuel Tenaglia
Midfielders: Jon Guridi, Antonio Blanco, Ander Guevara, Luis Rioja
Forwards: Kike García, Samuel Omorodion
Match Predictions
Football experts expect Barcelona to dominate possession, but Alavés' defensive setup could make things challenging. Given Barcelona's firepower, a 2-0 or 3-1 victory for the Catalans seems the most likely outcome.
Key factors that could decide the game:
Early goal: If Barcelona scores early, Alavés will be forced to open up, making them vulnerable.
Set-piece opportunities: Alavés might look to exploit Barcelona's weaknesses in defending corners and free kicks.
Lewandowski's form: If Lewandowski continues his scoring streak, Alavés will struggle to keep up.
Fan Expectations
Barcelona fans are eager to see their team maintain pressure on the league leaders. Meanwhile, Alavés supporters hope for a resilient performance that could boost their survival chances.
Conclusion
Tonight's match promises to be an engaging contest between two sides with contrasting objectives. Barcelona will seek to strengthen their title bid, while Alavés will fight to avoid the relegation zone. With high stakes and intense emotions, fans can expect an exciting battle at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
FAQs
1. Where can I watch Barcelona vs. Alavés live? The match will be broadcast on beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Máximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD Romania.
2. What time does the match start? Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM local time.
3. Who are the key players to watch? Keep an eye on Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) and Kike García (Alavés), as they are expected to play crucial roles.
4. What was the result of the first leg? Barcelona won the first leg 3-0, with Lewandowski scoring a hat-trick.
5. How has Barcelona performed at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys? Barcelona has been strong at home, losing only one match at this temporary venue this season.