Official: Barcelona starting lineup against Alaves – debut for academy ace | OneFootball

Three days after their coronation as La Liga champions, FC Barcelona are back in action tonight as they take on Deportivo Alaves away at Mendizorrotza Stadium, with their eye on reaching the 100-point mark.

With kick-off not far away, Hansi Flick has announced the starting XI that will take the field against the relegation-threatened side.

The major headline is that La Masia product Alvaro Cortes makes his first-team debut for Barcelona tonight, starting at centre-back after featuring in the matchday squad for several weeks.

The 21-year-old defender, who has recently signed a new contract until 2028, will partner up with Pau Cortes at the heart of the Blaugrana backline.

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde comes in at right-back after being benched for El Clasico, while Alejandro Balde gets a rare start at left-back.

Another major change comes in goal, where Flick has opted to go with Wojciech Szczesny in goal instead of Joan Garcia, who is on track to win the Zamora Trophy and is likely being shielded.

The manager has gone for an all-La Masia midfield of Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Dani Olmo for the match.

Meanwhile, in attack, Robert Lewandowski replaces Ferran Torres and is flanked by Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford on the right and left wings, respectively.