Barcelona held by 10-man Deportivo Alaves, as rivals Real Madrid win 4-1

In match day six of the La Liga Lionel Messi’s Barcelona had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Deportivo Alavés, while rivals Real Madrid, who won the El Classico last weekend, secured a 4-1 comfortable victory against SD Huesca at home. 

A gusty home performance from the 13th placed Alaves ensured Barcelona’s second draw of the season. 

Barcelona, aiming for a win at Mendizorrotza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, started the game with fan favourite Leo Messi at the center of the midfield orchestrating the team. Youngster Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembélé were the other midfielders in supporting roles while French striker Antoine Griezmann spearheaded the attack. Sergio Basquet and Frankie De Jong anchored the midfield, playing a defensive role. 

Barcelona however was dealt with a quick blow when they conceded courtesy of a Luis Rioja goal in the 31st minute. 

After half-time Barcelona restored parity with striker Griezmann equalising for his team. Fati’s challenge on a loose ball outside the box allowed Griezmann to capitalise on the opportunity and the ace striker pocketed it by scoring from inside the 18 yards.

Alaves were reduced to 10 men in the 62nd minute when midfielder Jota was sent off following a second yellow card for a high boot on Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.

A determined 10-man Alaves side however held on to the 1-1 score line following a barrage of Barcelona attacks. Despite their 80% ball possession in the game and nine shots on target, Barcelona could not penetrate the Alaves defence and score the winning goal.

The Ronald Koeman coached side now sits 12th on the league table after a dismal start to their season. Having lost the El Classico to bitter rivals Real Madrid last week, Barcelona had sparked back to life in their mid-week adventure against Italian club Juventus in the Champions League. Barcelona had thrashed the Turin club 2-0 on Wednesday in a match that was marked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence.

Rivals Real Madrid on the other hand secured a 4-1 win their match against SD Huesca at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo set for a comeback against Spezia

Buoyed by a comprehensive derby victory last week, Madrid started strong with Luka Modric, Casemiro and Federico Valverde manning the midfield for the defending La Liga champions. Eden Hazard opened the scoring for the Los Blancos, as Karim Benzema scored a brace on the night. Thiago Courtois however failed to retain a clean sheet as the team conceded in the 74th minute.

City rivals Atletico Madrid too cliched a crucial three points on the night defeating CA Osasuna 3-1 courtesy a Joao Felix brace.

La Liga will host four matches today with Spanish powerhouse Valencia hosting Getafe at home.