Alaves boss looking to overcome his poor Barcelona record

Alaves head coach Abelardo Fernandez has done a fantastic job since taking over at Alaves in 2017, with the Basque club currently eighth in LaLiga Santander and one of the surprise packages of the campaign.

The former centre-back saved the club from relegation last season as they went on to finish 14 points ahead of the drop zone.

Their objective this time out is to try and secure European football in the final weeks of the season, however a downturn in form has come at the wrong time, particularly with leaders Barcelona coming to Vitoria on Tuesday night.

The Asturian coach has faced Barcelona, the team he used to play for, on five occasions - three times with Sporting Gijon and twice with Alaves. He is yet to take a point off the Blaugrana.

The worst defeat came in the 2015/16 season with a 6-0 drubbing at Sporting's Estadio El Molinon.

The two defeats to Barcelona whilst in charge of Alaves haven't been so heavy, a 2-1 loss last season and a 3-0 loss this season.

In the five games played, his teams have shipped 19 goals and only scored two - one with each club.

In Alaves' 22 games against Barcelona, they have won five, drawn five and lost the rest. The last win came in 2016/17 as they ran out 2-1 victors.

On Tuesday night they will be looking for a similar result that will help edge them closer to potential European football next season.