As the LaLiga season heads towards its conclusion, the clash between Deportivo Alaves and Barcelona on May 13, 2026, is set to be a crucial one. This match, taking place at the vibrant Estadio Mendizorroza, holds different implications for each side. Barcelona sits at the top of the league and needs just one point to claim the title, while Alaves battles against the threat of relegation from their 18th position.
Barcelona has been in fantastic shape, riding high on a five-game winning streak. During this period, they have netted 11 goals and conceded just three. On the flip side, Alaves has only one win in their last five matches, with two losses and two draws. Despite their struggles, the comfort of playing at home has served them well this season, earning 24 points at Mendizorroza. However, they face a daunting task against a Barcelona team that has defeated them in their last five meetings, often winning by substantial margins.
Barcelona will miss their prolific scorer Lamine Yamal, who has scored 16 goals this season. But fear not, as Robert Lewandowski, who recently bagged a hat trick against Alaves earlier in the season, is poised to pose a monumental threat to Alaves’s defense. Meanwhile, Antonio Martinez, Alaves’ top scorer, will have to bring his A-game to punch through Barca’s tough-back line.
Weather forecasts indicate a mild temperature of 13.16°C with light rain, which can make the pitch slick and potentially speed up play. Such conditions could benefit a team like Barcelona, known for their quick transitions and sharp passing. Alaves, however, may hope that the wet surface disrupts Barcelona’s rhythm and gives them a chance to capitalize on set-pieces.
Deportivo Alaves vs Barcelona Prediction & Betting Tip
In what promises to be a defining fixture for both clubs, betting on Deportivo Alaves +0.50 (Asian Handicap) at odds of 1.97 appears wise. Barcelona aims for victory to wrap up the title, but possible squad rotations might favor the home side. Alaves, driven by their need for points and buoyed by the home advantage, will look to secure at least a draw.
| Recommendation | Odds Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Deportivo Alaves +0.50 (AH) | 1.97 | Barcelona is close to securing the title but may rest key players. Alaves are fighting for survival, making this bet a prudent choice. |
A betting strategy on Alaves offers a safety net if Barcelona manages a narrow victory. Despite Alaves’ defensive issues, their recent form highlights resilience, including draws against clubs like Elche and Sociedad, suggesting they could put up a strong fight against Barcelona.
Deportivo Alaves vs Barcelona Odds
Bookmakers have pegged Barcelona as the favorites, due to their stellar form and league ranking. However, the Asian Handicap line of +0.50 for Alaves hints at a potentially tight contest.
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Deportivo Alaves +0.50 (AH) | 1.97 |
Alaves has had inconsistent form, but with factors like potential rotation from Barcelona and home-field advantage, the match might be closer than the league standings suggest. Barcelona might usually outclass opponents with ease, but Alaves could exploit a small, unpredictable opening.
Deportivo Alaves Team Analysis
Deportivo Alaves Recent Performance
Alaves hopes to pull off a survival miracle this season despite inconsistency. Their recent five LaLiga matches have been a mixed bag with only one win.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-09 | Elche | 1-1 Draw |
| 2026-05-02 | Athletic Club | 2-4 Loss |
| 2026-04-25 | Mallorca | 2-1 Win |
| 2026-04-21 | Real Madrid | 1-2 Loss |
| 2026-04-11 | Real Sociedad | 3-3 Draw |
Their victory over Mallorca showcases their potential at Mendizorroza. Scoring nine goals across these games shows they can attack, but conceding 11 highlights a need for stronger defensive efforts.
Deportivo Alaves Key Players
Antonio Martinez, Alaves’ main attacking force with 12 goals, must be at his best to overcome Barcelona’s defense. Teaming up with Ibrahim Diabate, who adds speed to their forward line, could offer Alaves opportunities on counter-attacks.
Pablo Ibanez and Antonio Blanco anchor the midfield, crucial for dictating the pace and transitioning the team from defense to attack. In defense, Jonny Otto adds experience, and Nahuel Tenaglia’s aerial presence is key during set-pieces. Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera will be critical in thwarting Barcelona’s offensive moves.
Deportivo Alaves Suspensions & Injuries
Alaves faces injury challenges that could impact their lineup choices.
| Player | Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos Benavidez | Leg injury | Doubtful |
| Lucas Boye | Hamstring injury | Out until late May 2026 |
| Jon Guridi | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| Toni Martínez | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
Lucas Boye’s absence limits Alaves’ attacking options, reducing tactical flexibility. Potential sidelining of Benavidez and Guridi also strains the midfield, risking structure and depth issues.
Deportivo Alaves Tactics and Formation
Alaves may opt for a 4-3-1-2 setup to stifle Barcelona’s central play and manage pressure. Martinez and Diabate will lead a high press. Otto and Perez might join in counterattacks, using the width to dismantle Barcelona’s high line.
Blanco and Ibanez will protect the defense while facilitating transitions. If Barcelona presses hard early, Alaves could switch to a more defensive 5-3-2 to tighten their lines.
Barcelona Team Analysis
Barcelona Recent Performance
Barcelona continues showcasing their championship prowess with a sequence of wins.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-02 | Osasuna | 2-1 Win |
| 2026-04-25 | Getafe | 2-0 Win |
| 2026-04-22 | Celta Vigo | 1-0 Win |
| 2026-04-14 | Atletico Madrid | 2-1 Win (UCL) |
| 2026-04-11 | Espanyol | 4-1 Win |
These matches show Barcelona’s ability to score 11 goals while conceding only three, reflecting their solid form. Securing narrow wins against tough rivals like Atletico highlights their tactical astuteness.
Barcelona Key Players
Robert Lewandowski remains a central figure in Barcelona’s attack. He complements the team with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess, recently demonstrated against Alaves. Pedri and Gavi in midfield are vital for controlling the game and assisting the forward push.
Defensively, Joao Cancelo and stalwart center-backs Garcia and Cubarsi play key roles in stopping opposition advances. The blend of youth and experience is crucial to rotation, meeting the demands of their exhausting schedule.
Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries
Barcelona grapples with significant injuries in pursuit of league glory.
| Player | Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Landry Farré | Knee injury | Doubtful |
| Dani Rodriguez | Ligament injury | Out until late May 2026 |
| Patricio Pacífico | Cruciate ligament injury | Out until Jan 2027 |
| Lamine Yamal | Thigh injury | Out for season |
| Juan Hernández | Cruciate ligament injury | Out until Dec 2026 |
| Guille Fernández | Thigh injury | Out until late May 2026 |
The absence of Lamine Yamal is a major blow to their attack, removing a key source of goals. Farré and Fernández’s injury issues impact their defensive depth, presenting a challenge for Flick as he manages rotations.
Barcelona Tactics and Formation
Barcelona typically employs a 4-3-3 setup with Lewandowski taking the center-forward role, flanked by Olmo and Bardghji. The midfield, helmed by Gavi and Pedri, receives an additional creative boost from Fermin Lopez.
Barcelona is expected to press high, combining swift wing play with rapid transitions from defense to attack. This possession-focused strategy will be key to dominating the match, maintaining pressure on Alaves to exploit openings.
Deportivo Alaves vs Barcelona Head-to-Head Statistics
The head-to-head history strongly favors Barcelona, showcasing their dominance over Alaves.
| Date | Fixture | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-29 | Barcelona vs Alavés | 3-1 |
| 2025-02-02 | Barcelona vs Alavés | 1-0 |
| 2024-10-06 | Alavés vs Barcelona | 0-3 |
| 2024-02-03 | Alavés vs Barcelona | 1-3 |
| 2023-11-12 | Barcelona vs Alavés | 2-1 |
This track record exemplifies Barcelona’s strategic expertise, consistently achieving wins with significant margins. Alaves has struggled to overcome Barcelona, rarely scoring more than a single goal against them.
Venue and Weather
The picturesque Estadio Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz sets the stage for this match, ready to welcome 19,840 fans. With light rain and temperatures around 13°C predicted, players must adapt to a pitch that might quicken gameplay.
These conditions could align well with Barcelona’s precise passing style, possibly speeding up the game to their advantage. However, the wet surface could also create defensive lapses, potentially benefiting Alaves on set-pieces due to their aerial strengths. Wind effects are expected to be minor, paving the way for a high-energy encounter.
Throughout history, matches between Deportivo Alaves and Barcelona have delivered excitement, though typically skewed in Barcelona’s favor. Facing the threat of relegation infuses Alaves with a sense of urgency and passion for this showdown. With weather conditions crafting an intriguing tactical landscape, the stakes are significant: titles for some, survival for others.
