Flick said it in a press conference, we have to put pressure on Madrid and it seems to have worked. Barça is now just 4 points behind their main rival with a classic next week. Lamine continues to prove that he is extraordinary and finally, they achieved a clean sheet.
Limited playing time
There were still people entering the stadium when Lamine decided to make one of those characteristic plays of the Argentine legend with the '10' on his back. Raphinha didn't finish in the best way, something that happened repeatedly throughout the first half. The worst news came at 15 minutes when a collision between Gabi and Conechy left both players injured.
The score wouldn't change, primarily because it was a very scrappy match, with many fouls and no continuity. Added to that, the blaugranas weren't accurate in control or passing, hence they only shot twice on target. It's also true that defensively they didn't suffer much, catching Kike García and company offside 6 times.
The most notable was a shot from Pedro from the edge of the area that Owono easily reached. Flick had to change things if he didn't want to let this opportunity to cut points slip away.
A little more pace
Barça started the second half with a little more pace, surely spurred on by Flick's halftime talk. And it wasn't just words, as he made two changes, Frenkie for Casado and Eric García in Araújo's place. The truth is that it was noticeable both in the pressure after losing the ball and in the playmaking, which felt more fluid.
All this made Barça manage to get ahead, Lamine's volley for a Lewandowski who only had to push it in. The Spanish winger was the best player of the match by far, constantly seeking the 1 vs 1 and being differential. The blaugranas looked for the second, but there are games where one goal is enough.
In the final minutes, Alavés tried through lateral crosses, but without creating real danger. Another victory for the blaugranas, the second consecutive in the league and playing as hosts. Thus, they cut 3 points after Madrid's slip-up yesterday and with an eye on the classic next week.