Barcelona entered the Mendizorroza buoyed by a title-clinching El Clasico victory but the "Title Hangover" was in full effect from minute one. Hansi Flick's team were lacking their typical spark and were out-played in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of a relegation-threatened Deportivo Alaves side.
100 point dream goes to waste.
The result ended the team's hopes of achieving 100 points, as perfect final three fixtures were needed. It now remains to be seen how the team fares over the last two league games and integrates the recovering Christensen back into the squad.
Tactical breakdown: The high-line vulnerability.
The team's only constant weak point, set pieces, were exploited in the 45th minute. Ibrahim Diabate latched on to a corner whipped in by Antonio Blanco and smashed it past Szczesny in the bottom left corner.
While the team controlled possession at 68%, they had limited chances that truly threatened. Without Lamine Yamal to exploit spaces 1v1 and with crosses from Rashford and Lewandowski failing to meet anyone in the box, Barcelona were somewhat lifeless in the final third.
Positive takeaway: Alvaro Cortes' impressive debut.
The shining light of the game was the debut of academy center-back Alvaro Cortes, who impressed hugely in the 90 minutes starting at center-back with Pau Cubarsi.
Cortes finished with 86/88 completed passes and 10 clearances while showing incredible poise against the Alaves attack and has arguably proven his place in the team rotation.
Player ratings: Alaves 1-0 Barcelona
Wojciech Szczesny: 6.8
Playing his first game in several months with the rest of the backline and rested Joan Garcia, the veteran looked rusty. While he made an incredible save in the 40th minute, he couldn't make the stop Ibrahim Diabate's close range finish.
Jules Kounde: 7.2
Did well defensively but with a limited impact going forward. Was tasked with dealing with Alaves' pace on the break and with containing the opposition attack on the flank.
Pau Cubars: 6.9
The bedrock of the defense once again. Remained as one of the few starting players to remain concentrated throughout.
Alvaro Cortes: 7.6 (Man of the match for Barca)
A phenomenal performance on his debut; leading his team in clearances and distributing the ball superbly from the back in an immense performance.
Alejandro Balde: 6.6
A difficult night for the left-back who struggled with his first touch and delivery from out wide. Was not tracking back effectively enough, leading to the situation that would eventually create the opening corner.
Marc Casado: 6.6
As per usual he held the fort down defensively in the pivot but the required penetration through the lines was simply not there and it allowed Alaves to pack their defense.
Marc Bernal: 7.3
Controlled possession nicely but struggled for space to deliver any meaningful passes through the lines. Without a dynamic runner, his through-balls often went to waste.
Dani Olmo: 6.5
Was well off his El Clasico level and did very little of consequence before being taken off for a more direct player as Flick chased the game.
Marcus Rashford: 6.2
Brought energy to the wing but his cutbacks were always blocked off. He lacked the clinical edge shown in previous weeks.
Roony Bardghji: 6.5
Worked incredibly hard off the ball but offered very little in terms of shooting. Roony offered no threat towards goal in a stale attacking front-end partnership with Lewandowski.
Robert Lewandowski: 6.2
A night to forget. Amidst rumors of a summer exit, he looked lethargic and disconnected from his teammates. Spurned a couple of good chances from half-spaces that really could have punished Alaves for not having more conviction at the back.
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