Barcelona travelled to Alaves on Saturday afternoon knowing that three points would take them top of La Liga.
The visitors led by two goals at the interval courtesy of efforts from Luis Suarez and Neymar late in the first period.
Lionel Messi made it 3-0 just before the hour, before an own-goal from Alexis saw Barcelona score a fourth.
Four became five in the 65th minute when Ivan Rakitic curled one into the top corner and the scoring was completed in the 67th minute when Luis Suarez completed his brace.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Estadio de Mendizorroza as Alaves welcome Barcelona. The visitors have the chance to move above Real Madrid to the top of the table here, but Copa del Rey finalists Alaves are enjoying a very impressive campaign and incredibly won 2-1 at Camp Nou in the league earlier this season. Stay tuned for live minute-by-minute updates!
As mentioned, Alaves quite sensationally recorded a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the reverse match earlier this season. Jeremy Mathieu cancelled out a Deyverson effort to leave the two teams level early in the second period, but Ibai Gomez won it for Alaves in the 64th minute. That result sent shockwaves around Spanish football, but it was not the first time that they had won at Camp Nou in the league after a 1-0 victory in the same fixture back in February 2000.
Overall, however, Barcelona have dominated this fixture. The Catalan outfit's last visit to this stadium came in the 2012-13 Copa del Rey, where they ran out 3-0 winners. The pair have not met in this stadium in the league since August 2005, however, where the points were shared in a goalless draw. Barcelona are the favourites this afternoon, but you sense that it will not be straightforward.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Basque Country. Both of these sides were in Copa del Rey semi-final action during the week and both were victorious. Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night saw them emerge 3-2 winners on aggregate, before Alaves beat Celta Vigo 1-0 in the second semi-final to progress.
TEAMS!
ALAVES: Pacheco; Theo, Laguardia, Alexis, Vigaray; Torres, Llorente; Krsticic, Katai, Sobrino; Santos
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Vidal, Mathieu, Umtiti, Digne; Gomes, Rakitic, Busquets; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Edgar Mendez, whose goal sent Alaves into the final of the Copa del Rey, misses out this afternoon with a hamstring problem. Ibai Gomez, Deyverson and Victor Camarasa also drop out, with Ruben Sobrino, Aleksandar Katai and Christian Santos all included. There are also a couple of changes at the back as Carlos Vigaray and Alexis come into the defence alongside Theo Hernandez and Victor Laguardia.
As for Barcelona, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Rafinha and Arda Turan all miss out this afternoon, but Andres Iniesta is back on the bench after spending the last month on the sidelines. Aleix Vidal, Jeremy Mathieu, Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne all start in an unfamiliar back four, but there are no changes in the final third as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez all continue.
The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in Alava. I shall speak about the home side and their impressive campaign a little bit later, but let's start with Barcelona, who have the chance to move top of La Liga this afternoon. Victory would take Enrique's side two points above Real Madrid, although Los Blancos would then have three games in hand.
As mentioned, Barcelona booked their spot in the final of the 2017 Copa del Rey after drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Tuesday night, which saw the holders of the competition emerge 3-2 on aggregate. They are the overwhelming favourites to win yet another Copa crown, but success in the league and Champions League is going to be very difficult this season.
Indeed, Barcelona have the chance to move to the top of the division this afternoon, but they need Real Madrid to slip up in at least two of their matches. Sevilla are also just two points behind Barcelona as things stand and a bad result or two could easily see them drop to third. For the champions to retain the title this season, they will need a lot of things to go in their favour from this point forward.
Barcelona's tricky situation in the league is even more incredible when considering that they have not lost in Spain's top flight since the start of October. Draws with Villarreal and Real Betis in 2017 have hurt them, but they have thumped Las Palmas 5-0, Eibar 4-0 and Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in three of their last four league matches. The champions will enter this fixture in a strong run of form.
Barcelona are also the leading scorers in the league this season (55), while only Real Madrid (1) have lost fewer matches (2). The champions will be confident of winning here and at home to Leganes next weekend, but they then face a tough trip to Atletico at the end of the month. It is a very busy period of games for Enrique's side as the return of the Champions League also arrives.
Indeed, the Spanish giants will travel to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night for the first leg of their last-16 tie, before welcoming the French champions for the second leg at the start of March. It is a very difficult two-legged affair for Barcelona, but Enrique's side will start as the favourites.
As for Alaves, it has been a very impressive campaign for Mauricio Pellegrino's outfit. They won the Segunda Division last season to progress to the top flight and they are enjoying their first La Liga campaign since 2005-06, when they were relegated in 18th position. They actually played in the third tier of Spanish football between 2009 and 2013, but are now back in the big time.
Many tipped the Basque outfit to struggle this season due to their modest budget, but they are currently 12th in the table - nine points clear of the relegation zone. They have actually only lost six times in La Liga this season, but nine draws have just stunted their progress up the table.
Alaves have actually only lost once in the league since November 20 and a 4-2 victory over Sporting Gijon last weekend once again showed their credentials. They have drawn three of their last five in the league, although two of those were against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid. Indeed, their last league game in this stadium finished 0-0 with Atletico on January 28.
Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of the first 45 minutes of action. Victory for Barcelona would take them to the top of the table, but Alaves will enter this match full of confidence. The pair will meet in the Copa del Rey final this season, but today is all about the league!
KICKOFF! Barcelona kick things off this afternoon...
... not quite a full house inside the stadium, but there is a good atmosphere and you sense that the home supporters fancy this against the champions. Barcelona will look to dominate the possession from the outset this afternoon, but hosts Alaves have plenty of counter-attacking threat here.
The match has settled as Barcelona pass and probe in Alaves' half of the field, but neither goalkeeper has been worked in the opening four minutes of this match. You just get the feeling that Alaves will need to score the first goal this afternoon if they are to secure a positive result.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Messi finds space inside the Alaves box, but this effort is straight at Pacheco, who makes a comfortable save. First sign of Barcelona opening up the home side here.
Llorente shows nice feet outside the Barcelona box before having a go, but his effort was always rising over the away side's crossbar. Very open game of football with six minutes on the clock.
BOOKING! Umtiti (Barcelona) is booked for a challenge on Sobrino.
Barcelona are playing all of the football at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in dangerous areas, but Alaves are standing strong at the back and Alexis has made two vital blocks in quick succession. Messi in particular is starting to see a lot more of the ball in forward positions.
Alaves are very narrow at the moment, and they are finding it difficult to pass through the lines when they have the chance to break forward. Barcelona are the team on top as things stand.
Just not quite happening down the Barcelona left at the moment as Suarez and Digne fail to make the most of another chance to break into the Alaves box. The home side are yet to register a shot on target, but they have managed to restrict Barcelona to very little in the opening 13 minutes here.
CHANCE! Super chance for Barcelona to make the breakthrough as the ball breaks for Vidal inside the Alaves box, but the right-back can only fire over the crossbar!
Barcelona have the chance to threaten from a free kick in a wide position, but there are no takers on Neymar's delivery and Alaves can clear their lines once again. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock, but the pressure is building as the visitors continue to dominate possession of the ball.
Torres is doing his best to get things going for the home side in the middle of the park, but Santos has been extremely isolated in the final third. Nothing much for the Alaves fans to get excited about!
The referee has just had a word with Alaves boss Pochettino. It appears that the head coach had something to say to the fourth official, but he remains on the bench rather than in the stands. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their team as Barcelona continue to pass and probe.
SAVE! Super stop from Pacheco to keep out a close-range effort from Suarez!
Suarez, Messi and Neymar are all threatening to make the breakthrough and Alaves need to be very careful as they continue to take chances at the back. The home side are riding their luck.
CHANCE! Stunning chance for the home side to take the lead as Theo Hernandez bursts through the challenge of Digne before attempting to beat Ter Stegen, but the Barcelona goalkeeper makes an excellent save. Sensational work from Theo there!
SAVE! Pacheco keeps out a close-range effort from Gomes!
Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining and the match has really come alive in the last five minutes or so. Both teams have had brilliant chances to make the breakthrough here.
Theo Hernandez, who is going to be a brilliant player, has been excellent for Alaves this afternoon. Most of the home side's threat is coming from the on-loan Atletico Madrid defender, and he is also helping out down the other end. Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the final third here.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and we are still locked at 0-0. That does not tell the whole story, however, with both teams coming close to making the breakthrough. The home supporters are absolutely jumping at the moment as they bid to drive their team forward.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as the away side continue to dominate the ball, but Alaves are managing to get bodies in the way as they desperately hold onto their clean sheet here.
GOAL! Alaves 0-1 Barcelona (Luis Suarez)
Barcelona make the breakthrough in the 37th minute of this match and it is a super goal as Vidal delivers a low cross into the Alaves box, where Suarez is waiting to find the bottom corner!
GOAL! Alaves 0-2 Barcelona (Neymar)
Barcelona have their second of the match in the 40th minute and it is a terrible mistake from the home side's goalkeeper, who comes out to punch the ball, but it drops straight into the box and Neymar is on hand to tap home. Alaves have thrown this away in the final moments of the half!
Alaves are absolutely all over the place at the moment as Barcelona continue to break forward in search of a third goal, which would secure all the points. The visitors are full of beans here.
HALF-TIME: Alaves 0-2 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading Alaves 2-0 courtesy of goals from Luis Suarez and Neymar. It did appear that it would be a frustrating first 45 minutes for the champions, but Suarez opened the scoring in the 37th minute, before Neymar doubled Barcelona's lead three minutes later. As it stands, the Catalan giants are heading top of La Liga.
STATISTICS! Incredibly, Barcelona enjoyed 80% possession in that first period, while they managed five shots on target from 11 attempts. Alaves, on the other hand, only had one attempt on target. That said, the home side's only shot saw Ter Stegen produce a brilliant save to deny Hernandez.
BENCH WATCH! Camarasa, Kiko and Deyverson are all available for the home side this afternoon, but you wonder whether Pellegrino might let this game go. Barcelona, meanwhile, have Alba, Alena, Roberto, Iniesta, Alcacer and Denis Suarez on their bench. Plenty of talent on the sidelines here!
RESTART! Alaves resume the action on home soil...
... ALAVES SUB! Keko has replaced Krsticic for the home side.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to register as Santos is picked out by a wonderful cross from Sobrino, but the number nine fires over the crossbar from close range!
Barcelona are comfortable as things stand, but one back for Alaves and the visitors might well be a little nervous approaching the final 30 minutes of action. Just a reminder that as it stands Barcelona are heading two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table.
Iniesta has just been told to warm-up and we could well see the Spaniard make his return in the second half of this match. It is the perfect game for the midfielder to regain his fitness.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes as both teams concede possession fairly easily in the final third of the field. Alaves have had more of the ball in the early stages of the second period, but that is not difficult, they only had 20% in the first half!
Iniesta has once again been sent to warm-up and it does appear that the midfielder will be used at some point in this second period. On the football side of things, Barcelona could do with Iniesta just putting his foot on the ball and settling things down during an important stage of the match.
ALAVES SUB! Romero replaces Katai in Alaves' second change.
GOAL! Alaves 0-3 Barcelona (Messi)
Messi joins his mates on the scoresheet as the Argentine's low effort goes through the goalkeeper's legs and into the back of the net! Poor defending from the home side once again.
BOOKING! Rakitic (Barcelona) is booked for a rash tackle on Kiko.
GOAL! Alaves 0-4 Barcelona (Messi)
Goal number two for Messi and goal number four for Barcelona as the Argentine pokes the ball past Pacheco after being sent through once again. The home side are falling apart here.
CORRECTION! Alaves 0-4 Barcelona (Alexis OG)
It was, in fact, Alexis that turned the ball into the back of his own net!
BARCELONA SUB! Iniesta replaces Busquets for Barcelona.
GOAL! Alaves 0-5 Barcelona (Rakitic)
It is raining goals! Barcelona have five as Rakitic smashes the ball into the far corner after a smart back-heel from Suarez. Good grief I am finding it difficult to keep up at the moment!
GOAL! Alaves 0-6 Barcelona (Suarez)
This is getting a little bit silly now! More awful defending from Alaves sees Luis Suarez smash the ball home after Pacheco had kept out a strike from Neymar. Six for the afternoon now.
BARCELONA SUB! Alba replaces Umtiti for the away side.
Messi curls a free kick over the Alaves crossbar as the visitors seek their seventh here.
BARCELONA SUB! Roberto replaces Gomes for Barcelona.
Well, this has been a very, very difficult afternoon for Alaves, who entered this match off the back of a fine run of form. Barcelona have scored six, but they could have had nine or 10 at this stage.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances at the moment as Barcelona keep hold of the possession without really threatening. It looks like they have had some mercy on Alves here.
Just a reminder that these two teams will meet in the final of this season's Copa del Rey, and Alaves will need to improve 100% if they are to stand a chance of winning the competition.
It is a very scrappy game at the moment as both teams battle for possession in the middle of the park. Luis Suarez had a half-chance for 7-0, but his effort was blocked by Alexis.
Vidal has just gone down following an off-the-ball incident in a wide position, but the referee does not seem too concerned. Bit silly at this stage of the match as we approach the final moments.
I am not entirely sure what happened, but a stretcher has been called for Vidal!
Vidal landed awkwardly following a challenge with Theo Hernandez, but there did not seem to be too much in it. The right-back is hurt, however, and we have not yet resumed the action here.
We are back underway and there will now be some added time at the end of the 90 here.
We are into the first of three additional minutes here.
Barcelona enjoy possession of the football as this match reaches its final moments. It has been a very, very impressive afternoon's work for the Spanish champions it must be said.
BOOKING! Laguardia (Alaves) is booked for a foul on Rakitic.
FULL-TIME: Alaves 0-6 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 6-0 winners over Alaves to move above Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. It was raining goals this afternoon as Barcelona continued their strong form in Spain's top flight! Until next time!
