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Sunday, February 12, 2017
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Barcelona star Neymar (right) dribbles past Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Club during their La Liga match on Feb. 4 in Spain.AP
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BARCELONA – A euphoric Alaves who have reached the King’s Cup final for the first time in their 96-year history will demand “a very good version” of Barcelona in their La Liga clash in Vitoria, according to Barca coach Luis Enrique.
Alaves, who faces holders Barca in the Cup final, have won six, including a 2-1 triumph at the Nou Camp, and drawn nine of their 21 league games since winning promotion to La Liga this season. The Basque side are 12th in the standings and have not lost at home since Nov. 20.
“It’s the surprise team of the season,” Luis Enrique told a news conference on Friday. “Not just because of their numbers but also for their consistency.
“They have already beaten us and can beat us again. That is why we need a very good version of us to take the three points.”
Barca will play Alaves in their fourth successive King’s Cup final on May 27.
Barca is one point behind Real Madrid in the La Liga standings and can leapfrog them at least temporarily with a win at Alaves as they have an earlier kickoff than Real’s clash at Osasuna. Real, however, have two games in hand.
Barca have played five games in the last 13 days and their grueling schedule continues with a Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at Paris St Germain on Tuesday. (Reuters)
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