On February 2, 2025, Barcelona faced off against Alavés in a tense La Liga match that ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the home team. Playing at their iconic Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona aimed to continue their climb in the league standings and close the gap to leaders Real Madrid. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, eagerly anticipating a showdown between the two teams.
A Glorious Goal by Lewandowski
The match’s decisive moment came in the second half when star striker Robert Lewandowski found the back of the net. After a fantastic assist from young sensation Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski skillfully slotted the ball past Alavés goalkeeper Jesús Owono. This goal not only secured victory for Barcelona but also highlighted Lewandowski’s exceptional talent, bringing his season tally to 18 goals.
Barcelona Dominates Possession
Throughout the match, Barcelona showcased their famous possession-based style of play, controlling the ball for most of the game. They kept Alavés on the defense, constantly pressing and trying to create scoring opportunities. Despite their efforts, Alavés’ defense held strong for large portions of the match, with Owono making several impressive saves to keep them in the contest.
Alavés’ Resilience
While Alavés struggled to mount a significant offensive threat, they were determined to secure at least a draw. They focused heavily on defense, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes by Barcelona. Notably, they came close to equalizing when forward Toni Martínez had a chance late in the game, but his attempt went wide. Despite this setback, Alavés remained committed, knowing they needed every point possible to escape the relegation zone.
Injuries and Substitutions
As the game progressed, both teams faced injury challenges. Barcelona’s Gavi and Tomás Conechny collided, forcing both players to exit the match early. Barça’s coach will need to assess their conditions before the next match against Sevilla, while Alavés saw Antonio Blanco return from suspension, adding strength to their lineup.
Looking Ahead
This victory places Barcelona firmly within four points of league leaders Real Madrid, who continue to set the pace in La Liga. With a record of 45 points after 22 matches, Barcelona is hungry to keep the pressure on Madrid as they head into their next fixture. Alavés, however, remains in a precarious 18th-place position, just two points away from safety. They will now turn their attention to a crucial match against Getafe next Sunday, as they aim to climb out of the relegation battle.
| Team | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 45 | 3rd |
| Alavés | 20 | 18th |
The match on February 2 ended with Barcelona celebrating a hard-fought victory, but Alavés will leave the pitch with their heads held high, knowing they gave their all. Both teams have challenging matches lined up next Sunday, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcomes as the La Liga season heats up.