Barcelona sit three points behind second-placed Atletico, who face Real Madrid in a thrilling derby next weekend — an opportunity for Hansi Flick’s side to close the gap.

Although it wasn't the brightest display of the Hansi Flick era, Barcelona defeated Alavés 1–0 to continue to make up ground in La Liga.

Barcelona were aiming to take advantage of Real Madrid’s loss at Espanyol to go to within four points of their rivals, and they have done so, albeit without much conviction. They did not play