Urgent reaction and ‘euromission’ of Barça against Alavés

The Barça will try on mendizorroza his mental toughness after two tough losses in a row against the Real Madrid, in the semifinals of the Spain Supercup, and in front of Athletic, in the eighths of Cup, which removed him from two titles. It fits LaLiga and the foray into Europa League, only ways to return to the Champions LeagueNow your main goal. win at Alaves, penultimate and in the relegation zone, is an obligation and an urgency. There is no other. With 32 points it is one from the border that delimits the Athletic with 36.

Recent history provokes some optimism. Since the team from Vitoria returned to the First Division in 2017, the Barça they have never lost as a visitor (4 wins and a draw). Numbers that added to the direct duels with Jose Luis Mendilibar (21 wins, 3 draws and only one loss in 25 games) make their favoritism even bigger. The Basque coach, who replaced Javier Calleja this January, he has two draws (Royal Society and Athletic) and a loss (Betis).

Self-critical like few times, Xavi has admitted a lack of intensity and courage. He needs to make team and tactical corrections that will bring him back to at least how he looked against the Real Madrid in Riyadh. The problem will be to see if he recovers well from the exhaustion of two extensions in a row – players like Pedri, Pique The Ter Stegen they finished with ramps – and improvise a new front after the serious injury of Ansu Fati, of the ‘punishment’ of Dembele and the continued decline of Memphis. In addition, in the infirmary they continue Eric Garcia, Umtiti and Sergi Roberto, while Gavi will not play due to suspension. It will be the turn again Luke de Jong, inspired by the goal in his last three games, and who will return after serving a penalty in the Cup.

Al Alaves life is also going to him and he needs to respond to the Betic win (4-0). They have obvious goalscoring problems, which has precipitated their worst run of results since returning to the top flight six seasons ago. Worried, beggar sense changes in all lines, such as Ruben Duarte, who retired injured in Seville and will give his place to the youth squad Javier Lopez.

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