13 May 2026

LaLiga preview: Alavés fight relegation as title-winning Barça roll into Mendizorroza

Round 36 takes us to Vitoria-Gasteiz, where Deportivo Alavés host FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza. The numbers point to a clash of styles. Barcelona bring elite possession and shot volume, while Alavés lean on set pieces, crosses and defensive effort. Here is what the data says before kickoff, with live coverage available on Sofascore.

Team trends at a glance

– Goals: Barcelona have 91 league goals and 15 clean sheets, while Alavés sit on 41 goals scored and 3 clean sheets. The visitors also concede less, 31 to 54.
– Possession and passing: Barcelona average 68.5% possession with 89.95% pass accuracy, a clear control blueprint. Alavés are at 49.3% possession and 80.78% accuracy, more direct and pragmatic.
– Chance creation: Barcelona have 155 big chances and 121 big chances created, with 92 missed. Alavés count 72 big chances and 53 created, with 45 missed. The away side generate more high-quality looks and also hit the woodwork more often, 29 to 11.

Probable lineups and shapes

Lineups are not confirmed, but the listed setups offer a good guide. Alavés are shown in a 4-4-2 with Antonio Sivera in goal. The back line features Jonny Otto, Nahuel Tenaglia and Victor Parada. In midfield, Antonio Blanco and Denis Suárez are central options, with Ángel Pérez and Abde Rebbach in wider roles. Up front, Ibrahim Diabaté and Mariano Díaz provide the focal points.

Barcelona are listed in a 4-2-3-1 with Joan García in goal. Eric García and Pau Cubarsí anchor the defense with full backs Gerard Martín and João Cancelo. The midfield features Gavi and Pedri, while Dani Olmo and Fermín López support a front line that includes Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford. Among the projected starters, Pedri’s season average is a standout on the Sofascore Rating scale.

Where this game could tilt

– Transitions: Barcelona have 48 fast breaks and 11 fast break goals, while Alavés have 27 fast breaks and 1 goal. If the visitors win the ball and go, they are efficient.
– Wide play and set pieces: Alavés deliver volume from wide areas with 715 crosses and 174 corners. Barcelona see 518 crosses and 244 corners. Cross accuracy is similar, 24.6% for Alavés and 26.1% for Barcelona, so the first ball and second phase will matter.
– Duels and aerials: Barcelona win 54.4% of duels and 59.4% in the air. Alavés sit at 48.1% overall and 49.4% aerially. That edge can help Barcelona sustain pressure and defend high balls.

Odds and the referee factor

The 1X2 market has Barcelona as favorites at 1/1, with Alavés at 23/10 and the draw at 3/1. The gap has narrowed compared to opening lines, and the Asian handicap lists Alavés at +0.5 and Barcelona at -0.5 with prices adjusted toward a tighter contest. In short, the market leans Barcelona but respects the home side.

Referee José María Sánchez Martínez has shown 2140 yellow cards and 43 reds in 391 matches, which signals a firm approach. With Alavés on 86 yellows and Barcelona on 56 this season, discipline and game management could shape the flow. Track live cards, momentum and every chance on Sofascore, along with post-match Sofascore Rating updates for each player.

What to watch for

Barcelona’s control game meets Alavés’ set-piece and crossing output in a venue that can get loud. If Alavés force corners and long throws, they can test the visiting back line. If Barcelona settle into their passing rhythm and find runners between the lines, their chance volume usually tells. Follow the action on Sofascore for live stats, lineups once confirmed, and player Sofascore Ratings in real time.