In the early morning of January 24, Beijing time, in the 22nd round of La Liga, Barca challenged Alaves away. De Jong scored in the 87th minute as Barca beat relegation team Alaves 1-0. In the La Liga table, Barca moved up to 5th, just one point behind Atletico Madrid in 4th place (Champions League zone). This crucial victory gives Barca hope of returning to the top 4.
Today's Barcelona seems to be incompatible with the "giants". In 20 La Liga games, Barca scored 32 points, only 7th, 18 points behind Real Madrid (two more matches). Alaves, on the other hand, scored 17 points in 21 games, deep in the relegation zone.
Abd, Ferran Torres and Luke De Jong form Barca's attacking trident, with Frankie De Jong, Busquets and Pedri in midfield. Barca in the 433 formation, with 77% of the ball possession, can create few opportunities. Throughout the first half, Barca were listless, the scene was extremely dull, and the two sides exchanged white rolls 0-0.
Surprises always come in the final minutes, and in the 87th minute, Barca scored a deadly goal:
Barca's attack hit the box, With a cross from Ferran Torres and Frankie De Jong's right-footed shot into the net, Barca took a 1-0 lead!
After the VAR line is crossed, the goal is considered valid!
With Frankie De Jong's only goal, Barca narrowly beat relegated team Alaves 1-0. Without suspense, Frankie De Jong won the MVP. Barca, who have 35 points in 21 La Liga games, have moved up to 5th place, just one point behind Atletico Madrid in 4th place.
After the game, Frankie De Jong's interview sparked a heated discussion in the media. The Dutch midfielder admitted: "We lost to Real Madrid [in the Western Super Cup], but we are very proud. I feel sad about such a statement. We are Barca and whenever we lose, it will always disappoint us. In De Jong's view, losing is not something to be proud of, even if it is a regrettable defeat.
La Liga's 4th race is as fierce as the Premier League: Atletico ranks 4th with 36 points in 21 games, Barca ranks 5th with 35 points in 21 games, and Real Sociedad ranks 6th with 34 points in 21 games. Between 3 teams, there is only a difference of 2 points! As La Liga champions, Atletico also feel a lot of pressure. For Barca, who are "qualified in the top 4 (Champions League zone)", it does not seem difficult to achieve the goal.