Barcelona ends – A defeat at Alavés ended FC Barcelona’s 11-win run and 55-game streak of scoring at least once, even as Álvaro Cortés played the full 90 minutes in what was his 13th La Masia debut under Hansi Flick. Off the pitch, Barça’s recruitment focus shifts amid complic
The kind of match that can flip a week on its head arrived at Alavés, and FC Barcelona left with more than just a result to digest. The defeat ended a winning streak of 11 matches and also cut short a 55-game run in which Barcelona had scored at least one goal in every game.
For Hansi Flick’s rebuilding project, the afternoon still carried a personal milestone. Álvaro Cortés, described as the thirteenth La Masia debutant under Flick, played the fully ninety minutes against Alavés, adding his name to the list of players getting their first chance under the German coach.
Outside the stadium, the mood shifts to recruitment and contract timelines. Contacts to sign the Chelsea striker have intensified in recent hours, driven by difficulties in completing a move for Julián Álvarez because of pressure from PSG.
Decó’s list is also changing shape: João Pedro has become number one on that shortlist. Another item on Barça’s horizon is the possibility of a Flick renewal, with the date the club is working towards described as next Monday, as efforts move toward formalizing the agreement.
There’s more uncertainty in the forward line. Lewandowski is torn between Chicago and Saudi Arabia, and the Polish striker—who would prefer to retire at Barça—has been waiting to speak with Flick to understand what role he would have there.
Even one transfer option that once looked closer is said to be moving away. The “Gordon option” is described as receding further from Barcelona after Bayern reached total agreement with the player, following a salary agreement already in place for the Newcastle winger.
FC Barcelona Alavés Hansi Flick Álvaro Cortés La Masia João Pedro Deco Chelsea striker Julián Álvarez PSG pressure Lewandowski Chicago Saudi Arabia Gordon Bayern Newcastle winger