Barcelona slump to shock home defeat at hands of Alaves

Alaves claimed a sensational 2-1 win over Barcelona, making the most of Luis Enrique’s resting of Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez from his starting lineup.

The promoted side claimed all three points at the Camp Nou, with Ibai Gomez scoring what proved to be the winning goal following atrocious defending from the home side. It was a theme that permeated throughout the contest.

While Alaves were well-organised at the back, Barcelona looked extremely susceptible to the counter-attack and fell behind in the first half to Deyverson’s well-taken finish at the near post.

Jeremy Mathieu equalised just seconds after the half-time break, but Alaves regained their composure and scored another. Messi, Suarez and Iniesta were all introduced as Enrique attempted to turn the game around, but none of the trio made an impression as Alaves pulled off a considerable shock at the home of the champions.

Did Luis Enrique make too many changes to this team? Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were all benched for this match and all four were missed by Barcelona as they suffered a shock defeat. So did Lucho make too many changes all at once to his starting lineup? By the time they came on in the second half the hosts were chasing the game. Was the wrong decision made?

Ibai Gomez (Alaves): The former Athletic Bilbao player is used to the big occasion having scored in La Liga against Barcelona and Real Madrid before, but this was one of the best performances of Ibai Gomez’s career. He was the best Alaves player on the pitch, scoring what turned out to the winning goal for the minnows.

Barcelona: Cillessen 5, Vidal 5, Mascherano 5, Mathieu 6, Digne 6, Sergio 5, Denis 5, Rakitic 5, Turan 5, Neymar 6, Paco 5. Subs - Messi 6, Suarez 5, Iniesta 6.

Alves: Pacheco 7, Kiko 7, Alexis 7, Laguardia 6, Garcia 5, Hernandez 7, Torres 6, Llorente 7, Edgar 7, Gomez 8, Deyverson 8. Subs - Vigaray 5, Camerasa 5, Espinoza 5.

16’ ALAVES SHOT ON GOAL! Gomez picks up the ball about 25 yards out and fires a shot off at goal. There was some venom on it but Cillessen was behind it all the way and made the stop.

17’ ALMOST AN OWN GOAL! That was very nearly a bizarre opener for Barcelona. A pass was deflected towards goal by Llorente, but the ball drifted past the far post with the keeper worried.

27’ VIDAL HAS A SHOT! The ball is worked out to the right side of the penalty area where Vidal has made a run, but an Alaves defender comes across and makes the last ditch block.

35’ CLEVER SET PIECE! That was a nice idea. Neymar plays a set piece across the edge of the box for Vidal, but Pacheco did well to throw up an arm and make the save over the bar.

39’ GOAL! Barcelona 0-1 Alaves: The away team have taken a shock lead! Alaves break forward with Deyverson getting to the near post to prod home a finish from a cross. Barcelona are behind!

46’ GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Alaves: Well that didn't take long! We're only a minute or two into the second half but Barcelona are level! Mathieu met a corner kick and headed down into the ground and into the net.

67’ GOAL! Barcelona 1-2 Alaves: Unbelievable! Alaves have taken the lead for a second time! Gomez made the most of some atrocious defending from Mascherano and slotted home past Cillessen.

84’ MATHIEU ACROSS GOAL! The defender is up from the back and squares a pass across goal, but Pachecho gets down well to gather the ball under pressure form Neymar.

Jasper Cillessen conceded his first goal as Barcelona goalkeeper with just the second shot he faced.

Before tonight Barcelona had lost just one of their eleven home Liga games against Alaves, with their last lost coming in February 2000.

Javier Mascherano has now equaled Michel Reiziger as the player with the most Liga appearances for Barcelona without scoring (173).