How Barcelona Edged Alaves in a Crucial Battle

Barcelona’s narrow win reveals their struggles and glimmers of hope

Winning ugly is still winning, but it doesn’t always inspire confidence. That’s precisely where Barcelona finds itself following their 1-0 scrape past Alaves. On paper, three points are enough to keep the Catalans firmly in the La Liga title race, but the performance left much to be desired. This wasn’t the Barcelona of tiki-taka brilliance; it was a team grappling with its identity, relying on moments of individual magic rather than cohesive dominance. As someone who has followed this club for decades, I couldn’t help but feel both relieved and concerned.

The match itself lacked fluidity, with Barca struggling to break down a resolute Alaves side. Hansi Flick’s decision to field a strong starting XI underscored the importance of this game, especially after Espanyol’s shock win over Real Madrid earlier in the day. The title race is suddenly alive again, with Barcelona now just three points behind Atletico Madrid and four adrift of Los Blancos. Yet, the win felt more like a sigh of relief than a statement of intent.

Robert Lewandowski’s goal ultimately sealed the deal, but it was the introduction of Frenkie de Jong at halftime that truly turned the tide. The Dutchman, who has endured a frustrating season marred by injuries, showcased why he remains one of Barca’s most vital players. His ability to drive the ball forward and break lines injected much-needed energy into a lethargic midfield. Even Alaves coach Eduardo Coudet admitted, “Barça were better in the second half, especially since Frenkie de Jong came on.” It’s becoming increasingly clear that Frenkie deserves a permanent spot in Flick’s starting XI.

And then there’s Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, the winger continues to dazzle with his fearless dribbling and creative spark. Against Alaves, he completed an astonishing 11 dribbles, evoking memories of a young Lionel Messi. One particular run in the first half was so mesmerizing it left fans and pundits alike scrambling for superlatives. Hansi Flick couldn’t hide his admiration, calling Yamal “a genius” in his post-match comments. Watching him play, you get the sense that Barcelona’s future is in safe hands, even if the present feels shaky.

But let’s not sugarcoat it: this was far from a convincing performance. Barcelona’s inability to control the game raises questions about their tactical approach and overall consistency. Flick’s side has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but they’ve also been plagued by lapses in focus and cohesion. With the Madrid derby looming and the margin for error razor-thin, Barca cannot afford to rely solely on individual brilliance. They need to rediscover the collective strength that once defined them.

Still, a win is a win, and in a title race as unpredictable as this one, every point counts. For now, Barcelona fans can take solace in the fact that their team is still in the hunt. But if they’re to lift the trophy come season’s end, performances like this one won’t be enough.

References: Three talking points from Barcelona 1-0 Alaves