Barcelona stunned by Deportivo Alavés after title triumph
The hosts eventually found the breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time.
KATHMANDU: Defending champions FC Barcelona suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés in the Spanish La Liga after coach Hansi Flick made eight changes to the starting lineup following their title-clinching victory over Real Madrid CF.
Fresh from sealing back-to-back La Liga crowns with a 2-0 win against Real Madrid, Barcelona failed to deliver another dominant display as a heavily rotated side struggled to create clear-cut chances against a determined Alavés team.
Alavés threatened early in the 21st minute when Abde Rebbach saw his effort deflect wide. The hosts eventually found the breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time.
Following a corner, Antonio Blanco headed the ball back into the danger area before Ibrahim Diabaté outmuscled Marc Bernal and fired home the decisive goal.
Diabaté nearly doubled the lead after the break, but Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny produced a crucial save to deny the striker’s header.
Barcelona later introduced Ferran Torres, Pedri and João Cancelo in search of an equaliser, but the visitors were unable to break through Alavés’ disciplined defence.
Despite the defeat, Barcelona remain champions and can still finish the season with a maximum of 97 points.
Meanwhile, Alavés climbed to 15th place in the standings, moving four points clear of the relegation zone.
In another La Liga fixture, Getafe CF defeated RCD Mallorca 3-1.
