De Jong rescues Barça against Alavés

It was time for reaction in Mendizorroza after the recent disappointments in the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, but the Barça from Xavi left a rather poor image again and had to appear Frenkie de Jong when the game came to an end to give a balsamic victory against Alaves (0-1), who was celebrating the 101st anniversary of its foundation and could not bring joy to his fans. The three points added in Vitoria are an important boost of morale for the azulgrana, today wearing the senyera kit, because they allow them to climb back to European positions and continue fighting to be in the places that give access to the next Champions League. The Barça It is now fifth, just one point behind Atlético de Madrid, which marks the position to have next year’s ticket to the maximum continental competition.

Despite the latest criticism received for his performance, Xavi trusted the veterans again Jordi Alba, Busquets Y Pique as starters, but rested Dani Alves Y Dest He occupied the right lane of defense, although the American once again starred in a rather weak game and did not take advantage of his opportunity to vindicate himself. For its part, Frenkie de Jong he regained ownership after being a substitute in San Mamés and took the place of the sanctioned Gavi as interior left, while Pedri, without a trace of his discomfort due to fatigue, completed the spinal cord. Above they formed the offensive trident Luke de Jong, Ferran Torres Y Abde, but they didn’t have their night either and created little danger

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After a few first stages of scoring in Mendizorroza, the first clear goal chance was had by Luke de Jong. The Dutchman anticipated the Basque defense to finish off a good cross from Pedri with a volley, but his shot narrowly missed Pacheco’s goal, which was already beaten. Despite Luuk’s warning, Barça did not finish carburizing and, seeing that they could not find solutions in attack, Xavi decided to change wings to Ferran Torres Y Abde. The tactical modification did not have an effect either and the azulgrana hardly disturbed the rival goal with a shot that was very deviated from their own Ferran and two headers from Pique Y Busquets in two corners. Very little offensive baggage for a team that wants to aspire to higher levels. On the other hand, the only chance of danger for the Alaves in the first half came in the last action before the break, but Pere Pons finished at the hands of Ter Stegen when he had everything in his favor to open the scoring.

After passing through changing rooms, the Barça He came out ready to get ahead of the game and Luke de Jong He was close to taking advantage of a great play by band of Abde in the first dangerous approach, but the Dutchman did not finish off due to his lack of speed. The unsuccessful notice Luke did not change the plans Alaves Y Pere Pons He had a new chance to score but he wasn’t fine when it came to defining either.

Time passed and the Barça approached with a header Frenkie de Jong, which cleared Martin when he headed for the goal, and another forced shot from Luke who met with the good reaction of Pacheco under sticks, but the culés still had many difficulties to generate sensation in the defense of the Alaves.

The locals took refuge from the counterattack, aware that in the second half it was difficult to maintain pressure when the ball came out. In one of his approaches, Joselu He had a header that skimmed the crossbar that could change the history of the match. Before, Alavés protested a fall inside the area of Pina, but the VAR certified that there was no maximum penalty.

When the tie seemed that it was not going to move, Jordi Alba found the boarding school Ferran Torres, who raised his head and gave it to Frenkie de Jong, which he finished at pleasure to give victory to Barça. Three points and little more for the Catalans in Vitoria. There is still a lot of work ahead.