Deportivo Alaves vs Barcelona : Three Things to Watch in La Liga

FC Barcelona are back in La Liga action today as they welcome Deportivo Alaves to the Spotify Camp Nou for what promises to be an important test of character and consistency.

This will be Barça’s second game back at their iconic stadium, and the excitement among fans has yet to fade. However, after a rollercoaster week that saw them demolish Real Betis 4–0 only to collapse 3–0 away at Chelsea in the Champions League, questions remain over the team’s mentality and rhythm.

Manager Hansi Flick admitted after the midweek defeat that the squad was “training well” and “not far from improving,” urging supporters to be patient. A home fixture against Deportivo Alaves — a disciplined, defensively sound side — now offers the perfect chance to respond.

1. Attitude and Character: A Test of Mentality

Barcelona’s 3–0 defeat at Stamford Bridge was painful not simply because of the scoreline, but because of how it happened. Going down to ten men early in the second half left them chasing shadows, but what frustrated supporters most was the lack of fight and belief that followed.

This is a team that, last season, prided itself on resilience and collective spirit. Under Flick, those qualities have appeared in flashes but not consistently. Against Deportivo Alaves , the focus must be on rediscovering that competitive hunger and intensity.

Fans will want to see a side that presses high, attacks relentlessly, and refuses to switch off — even when things go wrong. The Camp Nou crowd expects not perfection, but effort and pride, and Sunday’s game provides an ideal opportunity to show both.

2. One In, One Out: Pedri Returns as Fermin Drops Out

Barcelona’s season continues to follow an unfortunate rhythm — one player returns from injury, only for another to be ruled out.

This time, Pedri makes his long-awaited comeback after weeks on the sidelines, while Fermín López has suffered a muscle problem that will keep him out for around two weeks.

Losing Fermín is a blow; the young midfielder has been one of Barça’s most dynamic and creative outlets this season. However, Pedri’s return could prove even more significant. His intelligence, tempo control, and passing range are exactly what the team lacked in London, and his presence — even off the bench — could steady the midfield once again.

3. Ronald Araújo’s Absence: A Much-Needed Reset

Defensive leader Ronald Araújo will not feature today, with Flick revealing the Uruguayan is recovering from stomach issues. Yet after his costly red card and emotional reaction against Chelsea, this enforced rest might serve as a mental breather more than a physical one.Araújo’s passion is one of his strengths, but in recent weeks it has boiled over at the wrong moments. He might be able to reset and come back sharper, calmer, and more focused if he moved away from the spotlight.

For now, Flick’s task is to regain trust in Araújo and his group. At a pivotal point in Barcelona’s season, this match against Alavés is about more than just points; it’s about rebuilding confidence and identity.