Alavés vs. Barcelona Preview: Champions’ Victory Lap Meets Relegation Desperation
The La Liga season is reaching its dramatic conclusion, and this Wednesday, May 13, 2026, presents one of the most starkly contrasting matchups in Spanish football. FC Barcelona, fresh from clinching their 29th league title, travels to the Estadio de Mendizorroza to face a Deportivo Alavés side fighting for its very life in the top flight.
While the visitors arrive in the Basque Country in a celebratory mood, the hosts face a high-stakes encounter that could determine their future. For Alavés, this match is not just another fixture; it is a vital step in a desperate bid to avoid the drop to the second division.
A Tale of Two Seasons: Motivation vs. Celebration
FC Barcelona enters this fixture as the undisputed kings of Spain. Following a dominant 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico, Hansi Flick’s side secured back-to-back league titles. Though their championship is decided, the Catalans remain in top form and could potentially reach the 100-point milestone before the season concludes.
In contrast, Deportivo Alavés finds itself in a precarious position. Currently sitting in 19th place, the “Babazorros” are firmly entrenched in the relegation zone. The math for survival is unforgiving: Alavés must win all of their remaining matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere to close the two-point gap currently separating them from RCD Espanyol, who sit just outside the relegation zone.
Team News: Absences and Availability
Both managers will have to navigate significant personnel issues heading into Wednesday’s clash.
FC Barcelona: The champions will be missing several key components of their attacking and defensive units. Lamine Yamal and Andreas Christensen are both sidelined due to injury. Raphinha will be unavailable for selection following a suspension triggered by a red card. This will likely force Hansi Flick to lean on a rotational squad that remains highly competitive.
Deportivo Alavés: The hosts will be without Lucas Boyé, who is currently sidelined with an injury. There is also uncertainty surrounding the availability of Martinez, who remains a doubt for the starting lineup.
Expected Lineups
Based on recent team news and availability, here are the projected starting elevens for both sides:
Deportivo Alavés (Expected)
- Goalkeeper: Sivera
- Defenders: Pérez, Koski, Tenaglia, Parada
- Midfielders: Suárez, Blanco, Guridi, Rebbach
- Forwards: Diabate, Martinez
FC Barcelona (Expected)
- Goalkeeper: Szczesny
- Defenders: Koundé, Cubarsí, Cortes, Balde
- Midfielders: Bernal, Casadó, Rashford, Olmo, Bardghji
- Forwards: Lewandowski
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
History heavily favors the visitors. Alavés has struggled to find any rhythm against the Catalans, failing to secure a victory over Barcelona in nearly a decade. The dominance is even more pronounced at the Mendizorroza, where Barcelona has not suffered a defeat since 2001.
In the 21st century, Barcelona has won 24 of their 31 meetings against Alavés, maintaining an undefeated streak in their last 17 encounters. While the gap in quality is significant, the intensity of Alavés’ relegation battle may provide the spark needed to challenge the champions.
Match Details & How to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Streaming (US): ESPN Deportes, fuboTV, and the ESPN App
Key Takeaways
- Barcelona’s Status: Already crowned La Liga champions after defeating Real Madrid.
- Alavés’ Objective: Must win all remaining games to escape the 19th-place relegation spot.
- Key Absences: Barcelona will miss Yamal, Christensen, and the suspended Raphinha.
- Historical Trend: Barcelona has not lost at Mendizorroza in over two decades.