After a long week processing a couple of tough defeats to swallow, the time has come to start over. FC Barcelona, LaLiga's leaders despite losing El Clásico last Sunday, will host Alavés at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday (9 p.m. CET) aiming to return to positive results like the ones they were having during their initial perfect streak in the season until just a week and a half ago.
The Basque team is currently in the 7th place of the table with 12 points, although there is a striking pattern related to how those were achieved: they already had 10 points after Matchday 4, but only managed to get 2/18 afterwards. The visitors' latest result was a draw at home against Málaga last week, being down on the scoreboard until the final minutes, while they had this week's Copa del Rey's first round match at Anaitasuna postponed due to the train tragedy that took place in Toledo on Wednesday. Their cup debut was rescheduled to next Tuesday, after their trip to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, since the Culers will start at the round of 32 (3rd round) of the cup for having qualified for the next Supercopa de España, they had a full week to rest, prepare this game and, in Lamine Yamal's case, get his third consecutive Men's Young Talent of the Year award at the Ballon D'Or ceremony on Monday.
Getting back to football, Hansi Flick will only count on one first-team proper defender per position after Xavi Espart's injury on Sunday, hoping to see some players receiving the green light to play next week. Besides, the emotional condition in the dressing room will be crucial, and the squad needs to move forward from this unpleasant momentum in order to keep the leading position of the league. How will the leaders react as their opponents get closer? We can find out in a few hours.