Barcelona starts the game against Deportivo Alavés with Raphinha back in the starting lineup, this Saturday, November 29, 2025, for the 14th round of LaLiga, at Spotify Camp Nou, in Barcelona, Espanha. The clash starts at 3:15 pm local time (12:15 pm in Brasília), with the Catalan looking to overtake Real Madrid in the lead after 31 accumulated points. Alavés, in 14th place with 15 points, is facing recent difficulties and is aiming for points away from home to escape the bottom of the table.
Coach Hansi Flick chooses to reinforce the attack with the return of Brazilian Raphinha, recovered from injury, after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in Champions League. Eduardo Coudet, from Alavés, maintains the defensive formation, but suffers from the absence of Facundo Garcés due to suspension.
The confirmed lineup highlights Barça’s offensive focus, with Raphinha playing on the left, while Alavés bets on counterattacks led by Lucas Boyé.
Return of Raphinha boosts Catalan attack
Raphinha, 28, returns to the starting lineup after recovering from a muscle injury suffered in October, marking his first full game since then. The Brazilian has accumulated three goals and four assists in LaLiga this season, and his presence increases the speed on the wings.
In the last training session, held on Friday, Flick tested variations with the player, confirming his ownership alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. Essa choice aims to exploit the defensive fragility of Alavés, which has conceded goals in seven of the last ten games.
The fans at Camp Nou hope that Raphinha repeats performances like that of September, when he provided two assists in the 4-1 victory over Valencia.
Lineups confirmed in the tactical scheme
Barcelona lines up in 4-3-3, prioritizing quick transitions and high pressure from the opening whistle. Joan García occupies the goal, with Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde in the defensive line. Frenkie of Jong, Marc Casadó and Dani Olmo form the midfield, while Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski lead the attack.
Reserves include Pedri, Eric García and Ferran Torres, ready to enter the second half and keep the momentum going.
- Joan García (goalkeeper)
- Jules Koundé (right-back)
- Andreas Christensen (defender)
- Pau Cubarsí (defender)
- Alejandro Balde (left-back)
- Frenkie from Jong (steering wheel)
- Marc Casadó (midfielder)
- Dani Olmo (attacking midfielder)
- Lamine Yamal (right tip)
- Raphinha (left winger)
- Robert Lewandowski (center forward)
The Alavés responds with 4-1-4-1, emphasizing compression and quick exits. Antonio Sivera defends, supported by Jonny Otto, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jon Pacheco and Youssef Enríquez. Antonio Blanco anchors the middle, with Carlos Vicente, Denis Suárez, Carles Aleñá and Jon Guridi, and Lucas Boyé in front.
Substitutions such as Toni Martínez and Mariano Díaz can alter the balance in times of pressure.
Teams’ positions and recent form
Barcelona maintains second place with 31 points from 13 rounds, recording nine wins, four draws and zero defeats in LaLiga. The Catalan team leads in goals scored, with 28, and has the most solid defense, conceding just nine goals.
Alavés accumulates 15 points, with four wins, three draws and six setbacks, positioning itself four points above the relegation zone. The Basque team scored 12 goals and conceded 17, showing vulnerabilities in away games.
This difference is reflected in the history, where Barça won the five most recent duels.
In the February 2025 match, Barcelona beat Alavés 1-0, with Lewandowski defining in the second half. In 49 total matches, the Catalans have 35 successes, seven Alavés and seven draws.
The visitor has not triumphed in Camp Nou since 2017, increasing the home team’s favoritism.
Highlights and absences in the casts
The Spotify Camp Nou, with a capacity for 99 thousand spectators, is packed with anticipation for the return of Raphinha, a local idol after scoring 12 goals last season. The stadium, at Barcelona, Espanha, benefits the home team with an intense atmosphere.
Injuries impact Barcelona: Pablo Gavi, Marc-André ter Stegen and Fermín López are out, with Pedri and Pelo Alavés, the suspension of Facundo Garcés forces changes in the defense, while Moussa Diarra takes over the position.
Key players include Yamal, with five assists, and Boyé, scorer of four goals for the Basques. Esses profiles promise balanced duels on the sides.
Raphinha, in particular, trains with a focus on crossing, aiming to connect with Lewandowski, who is looking for his 15th goal in the competition.
Streaming options for global audiences
The match arrives on multiple channels, adapted by region. No Brasil, Disney+ broadcasts live with narration in Portuguese, starting at 12:15 pm on Brasília.
On Espanha, Movistar LaLiga shows locally at 3:15 pm. Estados Unidos access via ESPN+ at 10:15 am ET, while Europa has DAZN in specific selections.
Oriente Médio follows on beIN Sports, with coverage in Arabic.
- Disney+ (Brazil and América Latina)
- Movistar LaLiga (Spain)
- ESPN+ (USA)
- DAZN (Selected Europe)
- beIN Sports (East Médio)
Platforms include live stats like ball possession and shots on goal for a complete experience.
Refereeing and match numbers
Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias commands the whistle, averaging 0.32 yellow cards per game and 4.55 totals per match. The judge, active in LaLiga since 2020, emphasizes fair play, issuing few expulsions.
Barcelona dominates at home with 60% average possession and 20 goals in six games at Camp Nou. Alavés finishes 11 times per duel, converting 20% of opportunities, but struggles in adverse scenarios.
In the previous round, Barça beat Athletic 4-0, while Alavés lost 1-0 to Celta.
These indicators suggest Catalan control, with Raphinha enhancing aerial balls and crosses.
Sequence and importance of the round
The game opens an intense week for Barcelona, who face Eintracht Frankfurt at Champions days later. A victory would put the Catalans at the top of LaLiga, putting pressure on Madrid.
Alavés, with just one away win this season, needs points to move up the table and avoid turbulence. With mature squads, the focus is on tactical execution under pressure.
Raphinha, a confirmed starter, is expected to shine and contribute to the three points at home.
