{"id":16469,"date":"2026-05-12T10:28:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T07:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=16469"},"modified":"2026-05-12T10:28:02","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T07:28:02","slug":"alaves-vs-barcelona-prediction-can-the-champions-avoid-a-title-hangover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/football-odds\/alaves-vs-barcelona-prediction-can-the-champions-avoid-a-title-hangover\/","title":{"rendered":"Alav\u00e9s vs Barcelona Prediction: Can the Champions Avoid a Title Hangover?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fresh from sealing their 29th La Liga crown, FC Barcelona travel to Mendizorroza for a tricky clash against relegation-threatened Deportivo Alav\u00e9s. While Barcelona is celebrating another historic season, Alav\u00e9s is fighting for survival, setting up a fascinating encounter with plenty at stake at both ends of the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Match News and Current Form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alav\u00e9s enter this fixture under pressure after surrendering a lead in their 1-1 draw against Elche last weekend. Quique S\u00e1nchez Flores\u2019 side has managed just one win in their last six La Liga matches, and dropping seven points from winning positions during that run has left them stuck in the relegation zone with only three matches remaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there is still reason for optimism among the home fans. Alav\u00e9s have been competitive at Mendizorroza, especially against stronger opposition, losing just once at home to teams currently inside the top five. Their attacking record is also impressive, having scored exactly twice in seven of their last nine home games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barcelona, meanwhile, arrived as newly crowned champions after defeating arch-rivals Real Madrid CF 2-0 at Camp Nou. The emotional victory secured the title for Hansi Flick\u2019s side on a difficult night, personally for the German coach following his father’s passing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Blaugrana are enjoying sensational form, winning 11 consecutive league games while sitting 14 points clear at the top. Yet, with the title already secured, motivation levels could slightly dip, especially away from home, where Barcelona have suffered four defeats in their last 13 league trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head-to-Head Record<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Barcelona has dominated this fixture in recent years. The Catalans are unbeaten in 17 consecutive meetings against Alav\u00e9s, winning 15 and drawing twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this season, Barcelona came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture despite conceding inside the opening minute. Alav\u00e9s\u2019 last victory over Bar\u00e7a dates all the way back to 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Players to Watch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Antonio Blanco \u2013 Alav\u00e9s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The midfielder has developed a habit of making an early impact, with both of his league goals this season coming in the first 30 minutes. His aggression and pressing could be key against a Barcelona side that may lack intensity after title celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joan Garc\u00eda \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Barcelona\u2019s goalkeeper has quietly been one of La Liga\u2019s standout performers this season. With 15 clean sheets in just 29 appearances, Garc\u00eda will aim to frustrate an Alav\u00e9s attack that usually performs well at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alav\u00e9s
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Team News<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alav\u00e9s could be without both Toni Mart\u00ednez and Jon Guridi after the pair picked up injuries in the draw against Elche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barcelona will miss Brazilian winger Raphinha due to suspension, which could lead to a squad rotation as Flick gives opportunities to fringe players following the title triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Betting Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This fixture has the feel of a potential upset. Barcelona may not operate at full intensity after their emotional title-clinching victory, while Alav\u00e9s are fighting for survival and desperately need points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hosts have consistently scored goals at home, and Barcelona\u2019s recent away games have frequently seen both teams find the net. For Kenyan punters looking for value, the Alav\u00e9s\/Draw double chance market looks attractive, while Both Teams To Score could also be a strong option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Bets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n