News Focus
- Ibrahim Diabate scores volley from corner kick before halftime
- Barcelona make several changes after securing La Liga title
- Alaves climb out of relegation zone with shock lead
- Catalans risk missing 100-point target in final matches
Deportivo Alaves have landed a major blow against FC Barcelona in their fight to stay in La Liga. The hosts went ahead just before the break at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria.
Ibrahim Diabate found the back of the net with a powerful volley. The striker connected perfectly with a corner kick delivery to put his side 1-0 up at halftime.
Hansi Flick rested several key stars for this trip. Wojciech Szczesny, Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado all started the match. However, the absence of Eric Garcia and Pedri left the midfield looking different from usual.
Barcelona had already won the league title. They came into this match hoping to reach 100 points this season. That target now looks difficult after falling behind to the strugglers.
Alaves began the evening inside the bottom three. If this result stays the same, they will jump up to 15th place in the table. The second half remains, but the home side have given themselves a huge chance to claim vital points.