Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
Alaves will look to make amends for a heavy 4-0 loss to Real Betis when they take on struggling La Liga giants Barcelona on Sunday evening. The Basques are eyeing their first league win since October 26, 2021, but they will have a big fish to fry against Xavi’s troops. The good news for the hosts is that defender Florian Lejeune is back from suspension.
Barca, on the other hand, are determined to recover from the Super Cup loss to their bitter rivals Real Madrid. Considering that Xavi can count on key players for Sunday’s clash, we are tempted to put our money on visiting side. Midfielder Gavi misses out through suspension, while Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia remain in the recovery room. The good news for the visitors is that all Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay, and Pedri are back to contention.
Highlighted Player (Manu Garcia):
Manu Garcia is a product of Real Sociedad youth academy. The Spanish midfielder, who was born on 26 April, 1986, started playing for Real Sociedad B at the age of 19, making 101 appearances for the Basque outfit between 2005 and 2008. He scored 18 goals for Real Sociedad B and, as a result, Eibar chiefs decided to sign him in July, 2008. Manu Garcia spent the 2008/2009 season on loan at Real Union, scoring eight goals in 29 appearances for the club and in 2010 he joined Logrones.
Finally, in June 2012 he made probably the best decision of his career as he signed a contract with Segunda Division side Deportivo Alaves. Manu Garcia made 37 appearances for El Glorioso on his debut season and he quickly established himself as a first-team regular.
Garcia scored five goals for Alaves in the 2015/2016 Segunda Division campaign and, no doubt, he helped the team secure promotion to Primera Division. He has a contract with Alaves which expires on 30 June, 2018.
Highlighted Team (Barcelona):
Barcelona is a Spanish football club based in Barcelona, Catalonia. Barca were founded in 1899 and they are regarded as one of the greatest clubs in world football. The Catalan giants won their 24th La Liga title in 2016, with Luis Suarez winning “El Pichichi” award. Barcelona have won five European Cup trophies and a number of top-class players were part of the team in the past.
The likes of Hristo Stoichkov, Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Pep Guardiola are some of many players that played for Barca in the past, but, no doubt, Leo Messi has established himself as the club’s trademark. Barcelona welcome their rivals at Camp Nou, the stadium that was built in 1957.
Barcelona’s local rivals are Espanyol, but the rivalry between Barca and Real Madrid is much bigger. The two La Liga giants face each other in “El Clasico”, which is considered one of the most exciting derbies in the world football. Barca are famous for their football youth school La Masia as well.