Barcelona Grind Out Victory Against Alaves Despite Late Red Card

Barcelona secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Alaves on Saturday despite playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men. This win marks their fifth in six league games and comes amidst the announcement of manager Xavi Hernandez’s impending summer departure.

The Blaugrana faced early pressure from a resurgent Alaves side, eager to extend their winning streak. However, it was Barcelona who drew first blood, with Robert Lewandowski scoring his ninth goal of the season. Ilkay Gündogan then doubled their lead, seemingly putting the visitors in control.

Alaves refused to go down without a fight. Samuel Omorodion pulled one back for the hosts, igniting hope for a comeback. The momentum shifted further when Vitor Roque, introduced as a substitute, netted Barca’s third. However, his joy was short-lived as he received a second yellow card, leaving Barca a man down with 20 minutes remaining.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Barcelona defended valiantly and held on for the vital three points. This win showcases their resilience and determination, especially considering the recent managerial news. While questions remain about their long-term prospects under Xavi, they continue to grind out results in La Liga.