Alaves vs Barcelona: Xavi's men keep faint LaLiga title hopes alive despite red card

Alaves vs Barcelona: Xavi's men keep faint LaLiga title hopes alive despite red card

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 20:37 - 03.02.2024

Barcelona moved up to third in LaLiga after a goal and assist from İlkay Gündoğan helped them to a hard-earned 3-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés.

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How it happened 

Barcelona, fresh off a midweek win against Osasuna, faced a tough Alavés side with a two-point lead in the top-four race.

 In a closely contested first half, Barcelona gradually gained control, and Robert Lewandowski's clever finish put them ahead. 

Barcelona extended their lead with a goal from İlkay Gündoğan but Alavés pulled one back through Samu Omorodion.

Vitor Roque came off the bench and restored Barca's 2-goal lead within 5 minutes, but the new man picked dup two yellows and was sent off to set up a nervy finish.

Xavi's men held firm, securing a 3-1 victory. 

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