Barcelona vs Alavés summary: score, goals and highlights, LaLiga Santander 2020/21
Barcelona vs Alavés: As it happened!
Koeman is gone but the Catalans still fail to win
In all it was a match that was short on chances from either side. The goals when they did arrive was sensational but were the result of individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.
Alaves will come away happy with a point as they continue their progress out of the relegation zone, while Barca will undoubtedly be looking towards the presentation of their expected new coach, Xavi Hernandez.
Can Xavi - a former club legend - bring the magic back to Barcelona or has the club truly entered a period of restructuring? Only time will tell!
Barcelona manager: Xavi has a plan, and there's no turning back
The club legend is set to return but what is his plan?
Agüero subbed off complaining of dizziness after 40 minutes
We can only hope that Aguero has suffered nothing serious after he was taken off in the first half.
From Koeman to Xavi
Though there will surely be those who point to the idea that the Catalans couldn't win against Alaves having parted company with Ronald Koeman, there are definitely reasons for positivity as some of the players who had been frozen out by the Dutchman were given minutes tonight such as Riqui Puig. The midfielder put in a solid shift and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
What about Aguero?
Unfortunately there has not yet been any update as to exactly what the problem was with Aguero. The Argentine could be seen somewhat dazed and holding his throat as he left the field of play in the first half.
The Dutchman just keeps getting better!
Depay continues to establish himself as an integral part of this new look Barca!
It's all over!
If you have just joined us here on AS English, you missed an intriguing game between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves in the Camp Nou. The Catalans as is their norm dominated possession, however, they found themselves struggling to create clear cut chances.
When the goals did come, however, they were sensational. First a curling right footed Depay shot from the left side of the area found the far post to put the Catalans up 1-0. It wasn't long though, before the Basques drew themselves level with some intricate short play infront of the area before Rioja - the protagonist of the night - resorted to technical nuance as he danced around 2 defenders and Ter Stegen in goal, to then fire home.
Alaves have held on to clinch a point here in Camp Nou. The Basques will surely consider this a favorable result having just lifted themselves out of the relegation zone. The Catalans on the other hand will undoubtedly rue their missed chances having dominated possession from start to finish.
foul by Eric Garcia in the middle of the area. Alaves to restart.
Barca press once again but Alaves stand firm to clear. Corner once again with Depay to take.
Riqui Puig breaks down the left side. He plays to Depay who then plays in Balde with a measured flick. The youngster, however, is unable to finally cut the ball back. Goal kick.
We have arrived at the 90th minute and we are locked at 1-1. There will be 3 minutes of extra time.
A free header from the resulting free kick but easily collected by Stegen. The Barca defense will want to ask themselves questions
Alaves on the break and their is a foul on Garcia. Alaves have shown character tonight as they have spent long spells without the ball but are seemingly unfazed and ready to break when they do win it.
Alaves break but are finally stopped on the edge of the area. Barca return the favor as they flow up field.
We are closing in on the 90th minute as Coutinho turns his marker with a classy move but he is fouled. Depay to take the free kick.
Coutinho fires high once again from distance.
Once again Barca win a throw close to the area of the Basque outfit.
Barca win a throw close to the Alaves area. Riqui Puig is able to play back to his defense who swtiches to the right side.
Just too high but the line was correct. The Brazilian will be frustrated.
Cooutinho to take.
A foul on Abde who is making his debut tonight having just entered the game. Barca will have a free kick dangerously positioned on the edge of the area!
If you're just joining us here on AS English we are approaching the 80th minute in this La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves. The score is currently 1-1.
Alaves break through Rioja once again but he is thwarted as he attempts to cut inside towards the Barca area.
Barca are tightening the screws but as has been the norm in the game. Alaves are standing firm. Riqui Puig's introduction has seen some more movement laterally which has opened more space behind the defense but they are yet to capitalize.
After good work from Nico a corner is forced. The youngster, however, has signalled to the bench that he wants to be replaced. He appears to be in some discomfort.
Rioja launches into a counter and almost finds Joselu with a pass at the end of his run but Lenglet is just able to cut it out. It would have spelled real issues for Barca had he found the mark.
Barca will want to review their work on corners as they have won quite a few on the night but have been unable thus far to convert them into any real threat.
A deep corner but Alaves clears.
Coutinho and Depay showing the making of an intimate relationship especially in tight spaces but in the end the ball is cleared. On the return Nico forces a corner out of Alaves.
Barca restart and work the ball to the left side, however, Coutinho is dispossessed forcing Jordi Alba to recover, which he does!
We are now at the 70th minute with the score tied at 1-1 after two lovely goals!
Riqui Puig will also enter the fray as he replaces Gavi who has put in a solid shift tonight. The youngster continues to impress and the Catalan faithful show their appreciation with a loud round of applause.
Pique seems to be in some discomfort and is being accompanied by medical staff. Barca will replace him with Lenglet.
Alaves with the free kick.
Alaves break from the resulting clearance and Jordi Alba commits a foul.
A foul on Nico. Depay to take the free kick from the right side.
The Catalans are probing from left to right but for the moment the Basques are giving no ground.
Barca retain possession and try once again from the right side. The ball is cleared for a throw in and Barca begin again from the back.
Mingueza is fouled in the middle of the field as he attempts to drive forward.
Double substitution for Alaves. Mendez is out for Pellistri and Pons is out for Pina.
Barca are beginning to display the gulf in class that exists between the two teams. Alaves for their part, however, are not making this easy.
A cheeky flick over the defense by Nico sets Depay on his way but the Dutchman is saved at point black range by Sivera
Gavi showing his worth after he tricks his way through the defense and toe pokes a pass to Depay who sees his effort rebound off of the post. Alaves manage to clear.
Coutinho is showing that he is up for the test tonight as the former Liverpool man continues to get more and more involved in the build up play of the middle.
If you're just joining us here on AS English we welcome you to our live text coverage of this LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves. The score is currently 1-1 here in the Camp Nou.
The ball is cleared but Barca recover. A deft flick by Depay puts Coutinho into space but the Brazilian sees his shot blocked by the Alaves defense.
Coutinho unleashes a fierce shot after a similar play to that of Alaves but his curling effort is just stopped by Sivera in goal. A corner the result.
Out of nothing the basque side have equalized. After great build up play the ever dangerous Rioja danced through the Catalan defense before rounding a helpless Ter Stegen in goal and firing into an open net!
Alaves recover the ball after crowding out Pique in midfield.
Alaves will feel hard done as there was not much in the play before the shot but now they find themselves 1-0 down in the Camp Nou against a Barca side that is growing in confidence.
Outstanding goal from Memphis Depay who once again finds himself creating space on the left corner of the box. The Dutchman curls the ball into the far post with a sensational right footed shot.
The ball is intercepted for a Barca throw.
Alaves give up possession without pressure on the left wing. Barca to restart with a throw. Pique finds Coutinho with a long pass to the left.
Coutinho is now occupying the left wing. The Brazilian will be keen to impress as much has been asked about his level of contribution during his time with the Catalans.
Barcelona get us underway with Memphis Depay who appears to have been changed to a central attacking role as opposed to the left wing where he started.
And we're back
The players are out on the field and we're almost ready to restart. There have been no changes at the half.
We await the second half
The players are making their way down the tunnel as we get ready for second half action. If you're just joining us here on AS English, we welcome you to our live text coverage of this La Liga game bewtween FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves. The score is currently 0-0
All eyes on Sergi Barjuan
The interim coach for the Blaugrana will want to get his troops on the same page for the second half. They have clearly dominated possession but have yet to find their breakthrough with various moments of miscommunication in offense.
A half of few chances!
While there has been little in the way of clear cut opportunities from both sides, we have seen some substitutions. Most notably that of Sergio Aguero who left the field clutching his throat.
We have arrived at half time. If you're just joining us here on AS English, we are currently standing at 0-0 in this LaLiga clash between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves in the Camp Nou.
Sivera is booked by the referee for apparent time wasting as play continues.
The free kick is too deep and Alaves will restart with a free kick in what will surely be the last action of the half.
Depay to take the free kick.
Alaves clear but Barca immediately regain possession. Dest once again probing from the right side until he is fouled. The American is on the ground clutching his face.
Barca continue to lay on pressure but for the moment are unable to find space behind a resolute Alaves defense.
Good build up play by Dest who plays into the middle of the box for Depay but once again Alaves stand firmed and the Catalans are forced back out.
There will be 5 minutes of added time in this first half!
A decent curling shot from Depay from the left corner of the box but unfortunately it is more or less directly at Sivera in goal.
Barca once again work the ball around the defense but are forced back as Alaves stands firm.
We restart with an Alaves throw deep in the Barca half but the Catalans come away with it. Memphis Depay tries the sensational but is just dispossessed on the edge of the area.
We are approaching half time and the score still stands at 0-0 in this LaLiga clash between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves.
Coutinho has entered for Kun Aguero who has gone straight to the locker room and not the bench.
Aguero is now on his feet and is walking on his own, however, he is visibly uncomfortable as he clutches his throat.
Coutinho is preparing to come on as Aguero continues to lie on the ground. Not such good news for the Catalans.
Kun Aguero has taken a blow to his throat and is currently on the ground. It seems as though the Argentine is not faring well and appears to be dizzy. Medical staff are attending and the referee is signalling for a stretcher.
Alaves are camped in their own half now as they seem content to allow Barca to play left to right in frnt of them.
Playing an extremely high line the Catalans will have to be very careful as Alaves have already shown they have velocity in the counter.
Alaves find space deep in BArca's half but Barca are able to deal with the problem and begin to work the ball out.
Again Barca work the ball around the back before looking for Memphis Depay on the left side.The Dutchman is showing an intimate understanding of movement with new sensation Gavi.
Barca are beginning to hit their stride now as Memphis works the ball to Aguero. Gavi tries a clever pass to Aguero but the defense is aware of the threat and the ball is cut.
We continue at 0 as Barca get us underway again with a throw. The Blaugrana are forced back into their own defense but are able to work the ball around. A probing ball from Pique to Dest, however, is too deep. Goal kick to Alaves.
A foul in the area. Freekick to Alaves.
We have arrived at the half hour mark and Barca have a corner.
After decent service from Duarte a headed chance a the back post goes wide. Barca will want to ask questions of themselves as to how they found so much space.
Alaves have won a free kick in an advanced spot on the left side after some decent build up play.
There seems to be another Alaves injury. It's Edgar Mendez who is on the ground and currently receiving treatment. It appears to be his thigh that is the problem. The Basque side have a substitute warming up.
Nico handles the ball in the middle of the field. Free kick to Alaves.
If you're just joining us here on AS English then welcome to our live text coverage of this La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves. The score stands at 0-0 for the moment here in the Camp Nou in this the first game of interim coach Sergi Barjuan's time in control.
A throw to Alaves but they play back to their own goal. A goal kick sees possession gifted to the Catalans once again.
Sivera gets us underway once again with a deep goal kick.
Kun Aguero lets fly from 30 yards but his shot - though fierce - goes wide by some distance.
The Catalans have a pep in their step for sure but still have yet to find the break through despite dominating possession.
Possession currently sits at 71% Barca and 29% Alaves
Alaves are forced into a change as it seems Ximo Navarro will be replaced by Martin Aguirregabiria. The player seems to be complaining about his hamstring.
off of a Depay corner the first chance of the game as Eric Garcia sees his headed chance just saved by Antonio Sivera in the Alaves goal.
Memphis Depay definitely looks the part as the team from Vitoria has been forced into dedicating two defenders at a time to defend against him.
Though there have been no clear chances on either goal Barca will be the happier of the two sides as they have clearly created more danger.
Barca's Nico is also showing himself to be a willing protagonist tonight as the youth of Barcelona continue to give a good account of themselves.
It's all hands on deck at the moment for Alaves as Barca appear to be adopting a strategy of dinking the ball into space behind the defense.
Again Barca retain possession working the ball from left to right. Busquets appears to be waiting on the ball for options.
Mingueza gets ud underway again and once again they look for Depay who sets Jordi Alba free. The ball is blocked for a corner!
Barcelona work the ball to the left again with Memphis Depay but his dinked ball into space is cut by the Alaves defense. A throw in to Barca deep in Alaves' half.
Alaves are beginning to show cracks while Barca are beginning to do the opposite. An inventive lobbed pass from Busquets finds Jordi alba at the back post but his first time cross is too deep.
Memphis Depay shows his ability for the first time after a brilliant piece of skill on the left side but his cross is just too deep. The Blaugrana continue to work the ball around the field.
Possession given away by Dest resulting in an Alaves counter attack but the early cross by Rioja is to deep and Barca reclaim and begin to rebuild.
Luis Rioja is showing his continued maturity though he is finally thwarted by Migueza. It will be a duel to keep an eye on as the left winger for Alaves is up for the challenge.
Barca appear to be entering their stride. After inventive play between Eric Garcia and Kun Aguero the Catalans almost carve out an opportunity but Aguero's cross finds nobody waiting.
Alaves for their part do not appear overawed by the occasion as they are playing high pressure on Barca's defense.
Migueza with a throw deep in Barca's half. In these opening exchanges there has been no real danger with both teams trying to get into a rhythm.
Luis Rioja has come to the Camp Nou to play it seems as the left winger is showing early signs of intent.
The first foul of the game as Jordi Alba elbows Luis Rioja in the face.
Barca play from the back but are forced into giving up possession in the middle of the park. For the moment the Catalans seem to be playing a very high line. Will Alaves make them pay?
Gavi has been given the nod tonight and is already showing why after clever work on the right wing. His cross, however, finds the hands of Alaves' keeper.
Alaves get things underway as we start the first game of interim coach Sergi Barjuan's time on the bench!
It's time for Kick OFF!
The teams are on the field here in the Camp Nou on what has been a rainy Saturday evening. The referee is in the middle and we are ready to go!
The official lineup for FC Barcelona is in!
The Catalans will be hoping to get off to a good start under interim coach Sergi Barjuan. After relieving Ronald Koeman of his duties following an upset loss to Rayo Vallacano, there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the Blaugrana!
It has been a disastrous start to the 2021/22 campaign for the Catalans as they now sit four points behind the top-five on Thursday morning and sitting meaning this is their lowest points tally at this stage of a season since 2002/03.
As it stands the Catalans are currently without a coach as former player Sergi Barjuan is the interim caretaker. The word is, however, that club legend Xavi is close to a completing a deal and should be confirmed in the coming days as the new head coach of FC Barcelona!
Alaves come into the game sitting in 16th place, however, the Basque team know that this is a Barcelona side that is perhaps ripe for the picking as they are in the midst of finding their feet once again. The side from Vitoria have scaled the highest heights in Europe before and will be counting on that rich history when they visit the Camp Nou.
Tonight's game could also see the debuts of two players as Ez Abde and Álvaro Sanz have been selected for the squad for the first time!
The Catalans who enter this game having recently dismissed their coach, Ronald Koeman will be keen to get this new chapter off to a good start. Players such as Sergio Aguero will undoubtedly be under the microscope as there are big expectations being placed on the Argentine's shoulders.
Starting XI: Alavés
Sivera - Ximo Navarro, Laguardia, Lejeune, Duarte - Toni Moya, Loum - Méndez, Pere Pons, Rioja - Joselu
Starting XI: Barcelona
Ter Stegen - Mingueza, Piqué, Garcia, Alba - Gavi, Sergio, Nico González - Dest, Aguero, Depa
How they stand: Alavés
Clearly with different ambitions to their more illustrious hosts this evening, Alavés sit in 16th, bit are just 6 points worse off than Barça. Could tonight be the perfect chance to cause an upset? Would it actually be much of an upset?
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 10 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| 15 | 10 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| 16 | 9 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| 17 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| 18 | 8 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 5 |
How they stand: Barcelona
Coming into their 11th game of the season, the Camp Nou faithful could not have expected their heroes to be sitting in the middle of the table.
But that's exactly where they are and, given their much publicised financial 'challenges' they will need to hit some form very soon to get back amongst the Champions League places...and then stay there.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 17 | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 |
| 9 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 10 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 11 | 14 | 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 12 | 13 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Ronald Koeman’s sacking by FC Barcelona on Wednesday following defeat to Rayo Vallecano carried an air of inevitability that had hung over the Dutchman like a cartoon cloud, shadowing his steps from one disaster to the next from the moment Leo Messi departed for PSG until the instant Radamel Falcao’s effort went in off the post to condemn Barça to a third consecutive away defeat in LaLiga.
The last manager to oversee a matching run of defeats was Terry Venables in 1987, and El Tel was duly sent packing. The fuse had been lit for some time and only a series of twists and turns prevented the flame licking the barrel of gunpowder under Koeman’s divided parliament much sooner.
Rob Train gives you a flavour of why Xavi the right man at the right time for Barcelona
Who is Sergi Barjuan, Barcelona's new interim manager?
Sergi Barjuan will be sitting in the hot seat for the visit of Alavés but he knows it is likely to be a very short-lived, if prestigious gig.
Coming in from the B-team Barjuan knows that the search is on to find a permanent replacement, and as it stands, club legend Xavi seems to be the favourite to take the reins of this underperforming group of players.
Find out more about Sergi Barjuan by clicking on the image above.
Barcelona vs Alavés live: welcome
Hello and a very warm welcome to you wherever you are joining us from today as we build up to our late game in LaLiga Santander.
The two main stories that have followed Barça in the last week have been a loss to their eternal rivals, Real Madrid, in El Clásico, and the subsequent sacking of manager Ronaldo Koeman.
No doubt I'll be mentioning those factors in the coming minutes as we look forward to what is yet another new era at Camp Nou.