The encounters between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alavés showcase thrilling matches that have left a lasting mark on Spanish football. This rivalry has evolved over the years, with both clubs battling in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and other competitions. Below, we chronologically explore the most notable games, key moments, and significant developments that have defined this competitive rivalry.
Early Encounters: The Foundation of the Rivalry
The first competitive match between FC Barcelona and Alavés took place in the 1930s. During these early meetings, Barcelona’s dominance was already apparent, as the Catalan club was building a reputation for being one of the most successful teams in Spain. Alavés, based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, was still establishing itself in the top tier.
- 1930-31: FC Barcelona secured a 6-1 victory over Alavés, marking the start of their strong performances in this matchup.
- 1932-33: Alavés managed a historic 2-2 draw against Barcelona, surprising many with their resilience.
The Copa del Rey 2016-17 Final: A Turning Point
One of the most iconic meetings between the two clubs took place during the 2016-17 Copa del Rey final. Alavés, in a surprise run, reached the final and faced Barcelona at the Vicente Calderón Stadium.
- May 27, 2017: FC Barcelona defeated Alavés 3-1 in a thrilling contest. Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Paco Alcácer scored for Barcelona, while Theo Hernández scored Alavés’ only goal with a spectacular free-kick.
This match marked Alavés’ first Copa del Rey final in their history and showcased the club’s potential to compete with top-tier teams.
Alavés’ Famous La Liga Victory at Camp Nou
In September 2016, Alavés made headlines when they defeated Barcelona in a La Liga match at the legendary Camp Nou.
- September 10, 2016: Deportivo Alavés secured a 2-1 win against Barcelona, with goals from Deyverson and Ibai Gómez. Barcelona’s Jeremy Mathieu scored the only goal for the Catalans.
This result shocked the football world, as it demonstrated Alavés’ capability to challenge Barcelona on one of the toughest stages in European football.
Recent Encounters in La Liga
In the years following their historic Copa del Rey meeting and the surprise victory at Camp Nou, FC Barcelona continued to maintain dominance in most of their La Liga encounters against Alavés.
- December 21, 2019: Barcelona defeated Alavés 4-1 with goals from Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Antoine Griezmann, and Arturo Vidal.
- February 13, 2021: In another commanding performance, Barcelona won 5-1. Messi and Trincão each scored twice, while Junior Firpo added another goal.
Despite these heavy defeats, Alavés has continued to fight bravely in every encounter, showcasing their ability to frustrate top teams with their defensive style and counter-attacks.
Notable Players and Performances
The rivalry between Barcelona and Alavés has seen some unforgettable individual performances:
- Lionel Messi: As expected, Messi has been a dominant force in this rivalry, scoring multiple goals across La Liga and Copa del Rey matches.
- Ibai Gómez: Gómez’s performance during Alavés’ victory at Camp Nou in 2016 stands out as one of the best in his career.
- Luis Suárez: Another Barcelona player who has made a significant impact against Alavés, regularly finding the back of the net in their La Liga matches.
Tactical Evolution in the Rivalry
The matches between Barcelona and Alavés highlight contrasting football philosophies:
- FC Barcelona has traditionally emphasized possession-based football, quick passing, and attacking flair. The presence of star players like Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta made them difficult to break down in the past.
- Deportivo Alavés has focused more on defensive organization and counter-attacking strategies. Even in games where they were outclassed, Alavés displayed a tenacity that frustrated Barcelona on several occasions.
Recent Trends: A New Chapter in the Rivalry
In more recent meetings, FC Barcelona has maintained their dominance over Alavés. However, with Barcelona undergoing a transitional phase—following Messi’s departure and financial struggles—Alavés has sought to capitalize on these moments to challenge them in key matches.
- October 30, 2021: Alavés managed a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou. Luis Rioja scored for Alavés, while Memphis Depay scored for Barcelona. This result signaled a more competitive phase in the rivalry, with Barcelona rebuilding their squad under new leadership.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Future Encounters
The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Alavés is expected to remain competitive as both teams evolve. With Barcelona focusing on developing young talent and Alavés striving to remain in the top tier, future matches promise to deliver exciting football. Barcelona’s Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu Fati represent the new generation of stars, while Alavés continues to scout and develop promising players from Spain and abroad.
Conclusion
The rivalry between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alavés has provided memorable moments filled with drama, surprise victories, and dominant performances. While Barcelona remains the more decorated club, Alavés has proven time and again that they are a team capable of upsetting the odds. Every encounter between these two clubs offers a fascinating battle between one of Spain’s giants and a determined underdog.
