Barcelona is tormented again in front of a humble competitor. Happiness has finally arrived (photos)
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A late goal from Frenkie de Jong gave Barcelona a 1-0 win at Alaves in La Liga on Sunday, earning three points for Xabi Hernandez's men in another day of struggle against lowly opponents.
Alaves missed several chances before Barcelona scored its goal in the 87th minute when De Jong followed a cross from Ferran Torres into the goal from close range.
Barcelona, who have already been eliminated from the Champions League and the King's Cup, jumped to fifth place in the standings with 35 points from 21 games, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand, and one point behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
"The victory was really important because of our situation in the league and the difficult season we are going through, but there are still a lot of things to work on and develop," De Jong told reporters.
It was a lackluster match at the Mendizorosa stadium, where players complained of freezing pitch.
Barcelona tried to change the situation after the break by pushing 20-year-old midfielder Nico, while goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco brilliantly saved Gerard Pique's shot from close range with his left foot.
Joselo of Alaves came close to hitting the net with a powerful header, but the ball passed to the right post of Marc-Andre ter Stegen's goal.
De Jong's last attempts at the last minute gave Barcelona the victory.
Alaves remained in the penultimate position with 17 points from 22 matches, three points behind the safety zone.
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