Barcelona Secure Deserved Win with Ten-Men Against Alaves: Player Ratings

With a grueling 3-1 victory over Deportive Alaves, Barcelona has risen to third in La Liga on Saturday evening. Despite the unsettling news of Xavi's impending departure at season's end, the first-team successfully navigated through off-pitch distractions to secure three significant points in the Basque country.

Despite a sketchy dismissal of recent recruit Vitor Roque, who received two rapid bookings and was subsequently sent off the field, Barca was able to achieve victory. Barcelona had a close call with a penalty just 15 seconds in, when novice Pau Cubarsi fouled Alex Sola. However, he was spared due to an offside call.

Immediately after goalie Inaki Pena managed to clear the ball from a free kick, Barcelona found themselves once again on the defensive, with Sola's crafty cross turned behind for a corner.

The visitors found their first opening when Frenkie de Jong delivered a cross after a corner, aiming for captain Ronald Araujo. But a brave block from Rafa Marin scuppered the Uruguayan's header attempt.

In the following 45 minutes of the first half, Barcelona managed to score thanks to Robert Lewandowski. De Jong and Pedri combined well on the left, with Ilkay Gundogan assisting Lewandowski to hit home his first La Liga goal since December 10.

Pena saved Barcelona again by intercepting a free header from Jon Guiridi, who had evaded the marking of Jules Kounde.

The first half closed with Ander Guevara assisting Ruben Duarte's deep cross, forcing Pena to quickly clear the danger.

After halftime, Barcelona doubled their lead through a volley from Gundogan, assisted by a floating cross from Pedri. However, Alaves were quick to counter, with Samu Omorodion using a looping header to fool Pena, following a cross from Sola.

Substitute Vitor Roque quickly added a third goal for Barcelona, but was promptly red-carded following two yellow cards. He clipped Marin's foot, resulting in a somewhat severe second booking. Unfortunately, as this was not a straight red card, VAR couldn't change the decision.

Despite a few desperate attempts during added time, Alaves couldn't break down Barcelona, who secured the win.

The player ratings are: Inaki Pena 7, Jules Kounde 6, Ronald Araujo 6, Pau Cubarsi 6, Joao Cancelo 5, Andreas Christensen 6, Frenkie de Jong 7, Ilkay Gundogan 9, Lamine Yamal 8, Robert Lewandowski 8, Pedri 8, Substitute Hector Fort (46' for Cancelo) - 7.