Barcelona seek to end Chelsea embarrassment by going top against Alaves | OneFootball

Barcelona return to La Liga duty on Saturday needing to put their embarrassing midweek loss at Chelsea behind them and resume their push to reach the top of the table.

Hansi Flick’s side were swept aside 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in a defeat that exposed mistakes in possession and a lack of control, but their domestic form offers a very different picture heading into the visit of Alaves.

Barcelona have won their last three league matches and used those results to trim Real Madrid’s lead to just one point, giving them a chance to go top temporarily with a victory at the Camp Nou.

The prospect of overtaking Madrid, even briefly, adds pressure but also creates an opportunity for a squad determined to show that the Chelsea setback has not derailed their progress.

Barcelona’s home return last weekend brought a commanding 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao and their improved attacking rhythm has been noticeable since the defeat to Real Madrid in late October.

Flick has repeatedly stressed the importance of short-term focus and that approach will be tested as they enter a run of league fixtures against Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis before a must-win Champions League meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Alaves arrive in 14th place after taking 15 points from their opening 13 matches and remain a side that can frustrate opponents without carrying consistent attacking threat.

Their recent record against Barcelona is bleak, with five straight La Liga defeats in this fixture and no victory since a shock 2-1 win at Camp Nou in 2016.

They have been competitive for long stretches this season but lack cutting edge in decisive moments, and their away form has been patchy enough to leave them vulnerable if Barcelona find early rhythm.

Alaves will at least be the fresher team after Barcelona’s draining trip to London, and Eduardo Coudet’s side will hope the hosts show signs of a Champions League hangover.

Barcelona’s response to adversity has been strong in the league, and Flick will expect intensity and control from a squad that has tightened its defensive structure in domestic matches.

A win would not only take them above Real Madrid until Sunday but also place early psychological pressure on their rivals in a title race that is tightening after a slow start from the champions.

Barcelona know that another slip would undo the progress made since the last international break, and tomorrow offers a chance to reassert momentum after a damaging European night.