It wasn't one of those knotty games for Barcelona on Saturday night, as they dutifully recorded a 4-1 win over Deportivo Alaves. While it appears like the defending champions are a bit far from their best, it didn't affect their determination to finish the year as league leaders. Barcelona and Real Madrid were on same points(36) before the match against Alaves on Saturday, but a win against the visitors have the Catalan side ahead of their rivals who are yet to play their game against Athletico Bilbao. Barcelona now has 39 points after 18 games this season. It's not been a rollercoaster ride for the Messi led team, as they have seen their dominance checked in several matches. Those games have raised doubts as to Barca's prospects in Europe this season, however, Ernesto Valverde's side are still on the ride, especially with their talisman always there to pull unexpected stunts. The catalan giants have suffered 3 defeats and 3 draws so far and it has spurred a rejuvenated Madrid side to mount pressure on the defending Champions. Zidane's side had the opportunity of beating Barcelona and topping the league, but fortune was far from them and the game ended 0-0 at the camp Nou.
It will take a very spectacular result against Athletico Bilbao for Madrid to topple their rivals. Against Alaves, the paraguay forward Luis Suarez was the man of the night, as he recorded three assist and a goal. The striker's age seems to be fighting against him in recent times, but he still struggles to prove his worth in Ernesto Valverde's line up. With Lionel Messi his friend there to support him and feed him with the balls, Suarez has remained relevant in the squad. After making 3 assists without a goal, Messi gifted away his penalty to the Forward to record his goal for the night. The Argentine forward doesn't seem hungry for more accolades as he prefers to play and carry everyone along. Griezmann and Vidal had put Barcelona in front before the Visitors pulled one back to make it 2-1. It all seemed like the goal boosted their morale and they came knocking for an equaliser. However, Barcelona captain who have been kept at bay by Alaves players still found a way to put the game beyond their reach, as he fired an unexpected rocket curling ball into the net from outside the box. It was the Argentine's 50th goal this year and he doesn't look like he is going to stop scoring anytime soon. Real Madrid will now have to beat Bilbao later today to sustain the pressure on Barcelona and keep their hopes of winning the league high.
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