Barcelona is gearing up to face Alaves on February 2nd, 2025, at the historic Olympic Stadium, hoping to gain ground in La Liga. The stakes are high as the Catalan club strives to close the 7-point gap from league leaders Real Madrid, and their recent form suggests they are hitting their stride. After demolishing Valencia 7-1 last week, Barcelona's attack remains formidable, having netted 59 goals this season, making them the top-scoring side in the league.
The last encounter between these two teams was favorable for Barcelona, who secured easy wins in their past matches, and history suggests they will continue this trend. The previous nine meetings saw Barcelona win 12 out of 14, and the team has been known to dominate weaker opponents at their home ground. Under coach Hans Flick, Barcelona has seen performances fluctuate, but their overwhelming offensive ability often prevails.
Alaves, on the other hand, finds itself teetering dangerously close to the relegation zone, currently sitting 17th place, leading the closest competitor by just one point. They’ve had only one win out of their last nine league encounters, placing them just above the threat of relegation. Despite their struggles, Alaves is coming off a solid performance, managing to hold Celta to a 1-1 draw and previously securing a 3-1 win against Betis, showcasing their resilience.
One notable absence for Alaves will be defender Abdel Abkar, who is sidelined due to yellow card accumulation, which could hinder their defensive efforts against Barcelona's varied attacks. Their attack has managed to find the net frequently, scoring or conceding at least one goal through 7 of their last 8 matches. Alaves have shown flashes of spirited play this season, but maintaining consistency has been their Achilles' heel.
Match predictions lean heavily toward Barcelona, who will look to capitalize on Alaves' defensive vulnerabilities, especially with their away record being less than stellar. Given recent league stats, it’s clear both teams have found the back of the net frequently, but predominantly, Barcelona’s attacking artillery is expected to outmatch Alaves' defense.
Bookmaker odds suggest Barcelona's victory is highly probable, with several analysts proposing bets on them winning by two or more goals. The current odds reflect Barcelona’s solid chances at 1.21 for the win and suggest betting on more than 3.5 total goals as both teams have proven capable of finding the net. Historical data indicates Barcelona's matches frequently conclude with higher goal totals, particularly when playing against lower-tier teams.
With referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero officiated past games this season, he’s maintained an average of over five yellow cards per match—suggesting potential for disciplinary actions as tensions rise on the field. Barcelona’s attacking style often leads to numerous corners, and this match could also see significant corner totals based on historical data of their previous match-ups. A bet on the total corners exceeding 10 can be contemplated.
Looking at form and statistics, Barcelona holds the upper hand, bolstered by their recent performance and the sheer quality of their squad. Alaves will need to summon all their resolve and defensive discipline to withstand the anticipated barrage and avoid falling short as they battle for survival in La Liga.
Barcelona supporters will look to this match not only as another step toward their championship aspirations but also as an opportunity for players to build momentum leading through the second half of the season. It's only the beginning of February, but the pressure intensifies as every point matters considerably; both clubs will surely bring their all to the field. Fans will undoubtedly be treated to what promises to be electrifying football as these two teams meet once again.