Barcelona did not go more than a 1-1 draw against Alaves, in the first game since the dismissal of the coach Ronald Koeman. The Catalans were the first to take the lead with Memphis Depay, who with a beautiful bow, sent the ball into the net during the second half of the meeting.
But the joy of the blaugranes would last very little. Just 3 minutes later, Alaves's Luis Rioja equalized, avoiding goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and sending the ball into the net. Meanwhile the result is not the only concern for Barcelona. Sergio Aguero left the field, causing concern among the Catalan fans present. The Argentine showed breathing problems and immediately received medical help off the field.
In front of about 37,000 supporters at Camp Nou, the interim coaching team Sergi Barjuan went very close to scoring in the first half when Eric Garcia's header was blocked by Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. But despite the scoring chances, Barcelona missed the final in front of goal.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid rivals are back to victory in the championship, after the draw in the previous match with Osasuna. Madrid narrowly won 1-2 in the transfer window against Elche, securing a crucial 3-point lead in the title race in Spain.
Vinicius Junior unlocked the score in the 22nd minute of the first half, sending the ball to the corner of the opponent's goal. Elche's Raul Guti is booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle. This only made it easier for Ancelotti's trustees to administer the advantage.
Vinicius doubled the figures for the friends, before Elche recovered a goal through Pere Milla. However, Real managed to maintain the advantage by confirming the good form in the championship.