Barcelona's 100-point pursuit ends with 1-0 loss at Alavés

Barcelona’s push for a 100-point La Liga season ended on May 13 with a 1-0 defeat at Deportivo Alavés in Vitoria. Ibrahim Diabaté scored in first-half stoppage time at Mendizorroza, and the result left the already-crowned champions on 91 points from 36 matches. Barcelona’s official match page said the loss also ended an 11-game league winning streak. (en.as.com) Alavés used the win to strengthen their survival fight. AS USA said it was the club’s first league home win over Barcelona since 2001, while Barcelona’s own match report described the result as a “priceless win” for a relegation-threatened side. (fcbarcelona.com 1) (fcbarcelona.com 2) ### How did Barcelona’s 100-point chase end? Barcelona entered Matchday 36 with 91 points and only two league games left after the trip to Alavés. That meant Hansi Flick’s side needed victories in Vitoria and in their final two fixtures to reach 100, and the defeat made that impossible. (fcbarcelona.com) The 1-0 scoreline was settled at 45+1 minutes. Diabaté met a looping ball in the box and finished to give Alavés the lead just before halftime, according to Barcelona’s official report and AS USA’s match summary. ### What decided the match at Mendizorroza? Diabaté’s goal was the only one of the night, but the numbers showed how little Barcelona created in front of goal. (en.as.com) Fbref’s match report listed Barcelona with 77% possession, eight shots and zero on target, while Alavés put three of nine efforts on frame. Wojciech Szczęsny kept Barcelona in the game early in the second half. (fcbarcelona.com) Barcelona’s match log said the goalkeeper pushed away a free header from Diabaté in the 51st minute to prevent a second goal. ### Which lineup changes stood out for Barcelona? (fcbarcelona.com) The 61st and 62nd minutes brought the clearest response from Flick. AS USA and Barcelona’s official live match page both showed Xavi Espart replacing Pau Cubarsí, Ferran Torres coming on for Roony Bardghji and Pedri replacing Marc Casadó. Later changes followed in the 78th and 86th minutes. (fbref.com) João Cancelo replaced Alejandro Balde, and Tomás Marqués came on for Marc Bernal, according to AS USA’s event log. ### Why was the result important for Alavés? (fcbarcelona.com) Alavés began the night needing points in the relegation fight. Barcelona’s official report said Diabaté’s goal gave the hosts a “priceless win,” and Football España reported that the result moved Alavés out of the relegation zone. The attendance at Mendizorroza was 19,138, Barcelona’s match page said. (en.as.com) José María Sánchez Martínez was the referee for the Matchday 36 game. ### What does the defeat leave Barcelona with now? Barcelona remain top of La Liga with 91 points from 36 matches, according to the club’s standings page updated on May 13. (en.as.com) AP reported that the team had already clinched a second straight league title before the loss. The defeat changed the arithmetic rather than the title race. With two matches left, Barcelona can now finish no higher than 97 points. That is an inference from the current table and remaining schedule. (fcbarcelona.com) ### What comes next for both clubs? Barcelona’s next match is at home against Real Betis on Sunday, May 17, at Spotify Camp Nou, according to the club’s fixture page. (fcbarcelona.com) Alavés are scheduled to visit Real Oviedo the same day, the club calendar shows. May 17 is the next checkpoint for both teams. Barcelona will play their final home game of the league season against Betis, while Alavés will continue their survival run at Carlos Tartiere against Oviedo. (fcbarcelona.com) (fcbarcelona.com) (fcbarcelona.com)