Barcelona Welcomes Back Star Raphinha as Champions Gear Up to Crush Deportivo Alaves

Barcelona Welcomes Back Star Raphinha as Champions Gear Up to Crush Deportivo Alaves

Barcelona travel to Deportivo Alavés on Wednesday evening, just 72 hours after being crowned La Liga champions for the 29th time in the club's storied history.

May 10, 2026 will be etched into Barcelona's history books forever as the day they beat Real Madrid in El Clásico to secure consecutive league titles. It marked the first time in the history of the fixture that the title had been mathematically sealed in that very match.

Hansi Flick's squad has been reveling in their successful title defense following Sunday's 2–0 victory, but three matches still remain before the curtain falls on the season. The Catalans will now step out as 2025–26 Spanish champions for the first time this campaign, heading away to relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés.

It may appear there is little left to fight for, but Barcelona are chasing history as they attempt to become only the third team in La Liga to reach the 100-point milestone — a feat only possible if Barça win all three of their remaining fixtures.

Flick Rotations Expected, But How Drastic?

Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde

Barcelona are in their best physical condition since the season opener, with Lamine Yamal and Andreas Christensen the only players sidelined following the returns of Raphinha and Marc Bernal from injury during El Clásico.

Flick is widely anticipated to shuffle his squad for the trip to the Basque Country, though the extent of those changes remains the key talking point. Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé could reclaim starting spots after being displaced by João Cancelo and Eric García respectively.

Pedri and Gavi are set to continue anchoring the midfield, with Barcelona finally able to field the duo together on a regular basis after nearly three seasons of waiting.

In attack, Raphinha and Marcus Rashford are expected to occupy the wide positions, with Robert Lewandowski — potentially in the closing stages of his Barcelona farewell — spearheading the front line.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Deportivo Alavés

Barcelona Lineup.

GK: Joan García—Fifteen La Liga clean sheets and counting, along with a first-ever Zamora trophy virtually secured — it has been a remarkable debut campaign for García in Blaugrana colors. A place at the 2026 World Cup could be just around the corner.

RB: Jules Koundé—Koundé has endured an inconsistent season and speculation surrounding his future has grown louder in recent weeks. Nevertheless, the Frenchman appears set to start patrolling the right side of defense.

CB: Pau Cubarsí—It is no overstatement to say that since his costly red card against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, Cubarsí has been performing at the peak of his career. He has been virtually faultless down the final stretch.

CB: Eric García—The adaptable García will slot into the center of defense, affording Gerard Martín a well-deserved breather. Many had written the former Manchester City man off as a mere squad option heading into the campaign, yet only Cubarsí has logged more La Liga minutes than García among Barça's outfield players this season.

LB: Alejandro Balde—Similar to Koundé, Balde has struggled for consistency this term and João Cancelo has rightfully claimed the starting left-back berth since late winter. The energetic fullback's progression seems to have plateaued somewhat, but he remains a reliable option and should get the start against Alavés.

DM: Gavi—Flick appears to be making a deliberate effort to give Gavi every opportunity to convince Luis de la Fuente he merits a World Cup call-up. After missing more than six months of the season, the 21-year-old has started six consecutive matches and is growing more influential with each outing.

DM: Pedri—It took Pedri a little while to rediscover his sharpest form following his return from injury in February, but he has been imperious in recent weeks, dictating play with elegance from the center of the pitch.

RW: Marcus Rashford—What a finish to the season Rashford is producing as he fills Yamal's enormous shoes on the right flank. With 28 goal contributions, he has built a compelling case for Barcelona to make his move permanent this summer, even if that outcome remains far from certain.

AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo's delicate backheel for Ferran Torres's goal in El Clásico ranks among the most visually stunning assists in recent memory. The platinum-haired attacking midfielder has a gift for producing moments of brilliance, and that was simply the latest reminder of his exceptional talent.

LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian could be handed his first start since March 22. He looked a touch rusty during his Clásico cameo, and he will be eager to sharpen up before the season concludes and the 2026 World Cup arrives.

ST: Robert Lewandowski—With the La Liga title secured, Flick may give Lewandowski a prominent role in what are likely to be his final three appearances for Barcelona. The legendary Pole needs just two more goals to complete his 15th consecutive 20-goal season.

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