Hansi Flick, Barcelona manager
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Barcelona lock horns with Deportivo Alaves in a few hours at the Spotify Camp Nou, aiming to get back to winning ways.
The Catalans come into the contest on the back of a disappointing week having lost two games to PSG and Real Madrid.
With their lead at the top of the table getting cut, the La Liga leaders will be intent on collecting all three points against Quique Sanchez Flores’ side.
A milestone awaits Barcelona
While getting a victory will be the main objective, Barcelona also have a statistical milestone in their sights as they get set to take on Alaves.
Indeed, the Blaugrana need just one goal to reach 100 in their La Liga meetings with the Basque club.
Barcelona have scored 99 times in 40 previous league encounters between the teams and will have an eye on hitting the century mark against Alaves.
Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Barcelona players
Barcelona have been scoring goals for fun. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Of the 40 previous La Liga matches between the sides, the Catalan club have won 27 of those, compared with six victories for Alaves. The remaining seven games ended in draws.
As for the goals, while Barcelona have netted 99, whereas Alaves have found the back of the net only 34 times during these encounters.
Former Barcelona captain and club legend Lionel Messi remains the leading goalscorer in the history of this fixture, having scored 13 times against Alaves.
Eyes on the prize
Barcelona’s attacking numbers this season suggest the milestone could arrive quickly. They have averaged more than three goals per match this term, and have netted as many as 40 goals in their 11 league games so far.
Ibrahim Diabate of Deportivo Alaves
Alaves defeated Barcelona 1-0 in May. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
However, their main goal for tonight will be to put behind the defeats against PSG and Real Madrid and secure all three points with a convincing performance tonight at Camp Nou.
Alaves have failed to win any of their previous six matches, but getting a win will not be straightforward for Barcelona as they learned last season.
After all, the Basque club defeated Barça 1-0 at their home ground in May earlier this year, ending the Catalans’ hopes of reaching the 100-point mark in La Liga.
Source: SPORT