Fixture: FC Barcelona vs Deportivo Alavés — LaLiga
Kick-off: Saturday, 29 November 2025, 16:15 CET at Spotify Camp Nou. FC Barcelona
Barcelona head into this home tie determined to rebound after a tough Champions League defeat and to keep the pressure on the LaLiga leaders. Alavés arrive with a compact defensive identity and the aim of upsetting one of Spain’s big two at Camp Nou. Below is a full, publication-ready preview: the latest team news, tactical outlook, players to watch and a realistic match script.
Latest team news & selection headlines
Hansi Flick confirmed that Pedri is available to return from a thigh muscle injury and is expected to be introduced from the bench, offering Barcelona fresh creativity in the second half. At the same time, captain Ronald Araújo is out of the squad after suffering a stomach virus, which forces Barcelona to reshuffle their centre-back options for the match. Flick also welcomed Raphinha back to fitness in recent sessions, giving more selection choices in wide areas. Reuters+1
Alavés come into this fixture without a recent victory against Barcelona in LaLiga; head-to-head history and recent form suggest they’ll adopt a low-block, transition-heavy approach and look to make the most of set-piece moments and counterattacks. The Basque side’s league position puts them mid-table with room for improvement, and coach Eduardo Coudet will set up his team to be difficult to break down while hunting for moments to pounce. Sports Mole+1
Probable XIs & tactical shapes
Managers usually confirm final lineups about an hour before kick-off, but recent match sheets and training notes point to the following templates.
Barcelona (likely shape — 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 hybrid): goalkeeper; a back four with rotation to cover Araújo’s absence; a midfield featuring youngsters and experienced operators to control tempo; wingers and a central striker tasked with stretching Alavés’ compact block. Pedri’s likely role is an influential second-half option to unlock tight defences. FC Barcelona+1
Alavés (likely shape — 4-4-2 / 4-5-1 compact): a defensive base that protects the central channels, two lines of four or five in midfield, and quick attackers ready to run in behind Barcelona’s full-backs on transition. Alavés will try to keep the match tight early and look for moments to isolate Barcelona’s wide players. Sports Mole
Tactically, Barcelona will aim to keep long periods of possession, probe the half-spaces and use quick switches of play to drag Alavés out of shape. With Araújo missing, Barcelona must be careful on transitions and set pieces; defensive communication and disciplined marking will be essential. Alavés’ most realistic path to a result is through compact defending, quick counters and capitalising on dead-ball situations.
Key battles & where the game will be won
Midfield control: Barcelona’s ability to recycle the ball, create overloads and play incisive passes through the lines will determine how often Alavés are forced to abandon their block. Whoever controls the half-spaces after turnovers will dominate territorial advantage. FC Barcelona
Wide duels & full-back influence: If Barcelona’s full-backs can push high and combine with wingers, they will create overloads that drag Alavés’ wide midfielders out of position. Conversely, Alavés’ wing-backs must remain disciplined to prevent dangerous crosses and cutbacks. Sports Mole
Set pieces: With a reshuffled backline for Barcelona and Alavés’ known physical approach, corners and free-kicks could be decisive. Expect both sides to concentrate on defensive marking and creative set-piece routines.
Players to watch
Pedri (Barcelona): his return from injury gives Barcelona a creator who can unlock tight defences with one excellent pass or a clever movement into the box. Even as a substitute, Pedri’s influence on tempo and chance creation is huge. Reuters
Raphinha (Barcelona): back to training and pushing for minutes, Raphinha’s pace and ability to stretch play are valuable weapons against a compact Alavés defence. Barca Blaugranes
Key Alavés forwards / set-piece operators: look for the visitors’ strikers to exploit space behind Barcelona’s full-backs and for their taller players to be focal points at corners and indirect free-kicks. Coach Coudet will rely on those outlets to cause problems. Sports Mole
Form, momentum & psychological edge
Barcelona will be keen to put their midweek Champions League disappointment behind them and take a maximum three points at Camp Nou to keep LaLiga pressure high. Pedri’s return is the psychological and tactical boost needed to add creativity in the latter stages. Alavés, meanwhile, draw confidence from compact defensive performances and will be well-drilled to frustrate opponents — their best hope is to stifle Barcelona early and spring surprises on the break. Reuters+1
Match prediction & likely scoreline
On balance, Barcelona should control possession and create the clearer chances, but the absence of a key centre-back and Alavés’ organised low block make a runaway score less likely. Expect Barcelona to dominate territory, probe patiently and potentially win by a two-goal margin if their finishing is sharp. A realistic prediction is Barcelona 2–0 Alavés, with the possibility of a late third if the visitors tire and spaces open up in the final 20 minutes. FC Barcelona+1
How the game may unfold (match script)
First 20 minutes: Alavés will sit low, test Barcelona’s patience and look for an early set-piece opportunity. Barcelona will circulate and probe the wide channels without overcommitting. Sports Mole
Middle period: Barcelona increases tempo, attempting to create half-space entries; small mistakes from the reshuffled backline could produce openings. Pedri’s introduction after the hour could tilt the balance. Reuters
Final phase: If Barcelona lead, Alavés may push for transitions; if still level, late substitutions and tactical tweaks (more direct play from Alavés) will decide whether the match stays tight or opens up.
