Not even Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Andres Iniesta going on for the last half hour could turn around a result that left Real Madrid alone at the top of the table after three rounds.
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“As for football, I’m anxious about some of their best players”, Enrique said in his press conference ahead of the game.
Barca were boosted by the return of Neymar after the Brazil forward led his nation to Olympic gold, though – most likely with an eye towards Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Celtic – Luis Enrique elected to rest both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, instead handing a debut to Paco Alcacer.
Barcelona started the game very well attacking from all sides, but Deyverson stunned the entire Camp Nou in 39th minute to put the visitors ahead, as Alaves took the lead into the tunnel at the end of the first half.
Spanish website Diario Gol reported on Monday that some members of Barcelona’s squad had questioned Enrique’s decision to make eight changes to his team for the 2-1 defeat on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is the coach’s only doubt after he missed the Alaves game with a muscle strain.
Brendan Rodgers has reinvigorated the Glasgow club since taking over from Ronny Deila in the close season, qualifying for the group stages after a two-year absence and overseeing a 5-1 thumping of fierce local rivals Rangers on Saturday.
Enrique is expected to revert to his strongest line-up for Celtic’s visit to the Camp Nou tomorrow.
“It’s important to try to win La Liga because it’s been a few years since we have and it’s normal that it’s our focus”, said Bale.
Jordi Mestre, the Barcelona vice-president, made the point after Saturday’s match that Neymar, who played the full 90 minutes and showed some flashes of what he is capable of, needed some help from his team-mates.
“Alaves have come into the league recently and been very effective, and they made it hard for us”.
Neymar could not find a goal as Barcelona lost their earlier La Liga game since the 2010-11 season.
“I am the head coach of the team and I accept it (the criticism)”, he added.
“Like everyone I enjoy seeing on the pitch, I always want him with me”, said the Frenchman.
But Pedro Bigas was whistled for a questionable foul in the area with a minute to play, allowing Pablo Sarabia to level from the penalty spot.
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“We will see a Celtic side similar to the one we faced in pre-season”.
