Barcelona moved up in La Liga with a hard-fought 3-1 win at Deportivo Alaves on Saturday evening.
La Blaugrana have been rocked by news that Xavi will leave at the end of the season but the first-team managed to put off-field turmoil to one side to secure three valuable points in the Basque country.
Barca held on to claim victory despite the questionable sending off of January signing Vitor Roque, who received two booking in quick succession and was sent for an early shower.
After a frustrating first half to the opening 45, Barcelona went ahead through Robert Lewandowski. Just after the break, Barcelona doubled their lead. A floated cross from Pedri found Gundogan, who volleyed past Antonio Sivera to add Barca’s second.
But almost straight from kick-off, Alaves pulled one back.
With almost his first touch after coming on as a substitute, Vitor Roque scored to restore Barcelona’s two-goal cushion.
Credit: 90min.com
