De Jong popped up within the 87th minute to sweep home from close range and hand Xavi Hernandez’ aspect all 3 points in a match that saw Barca struggle throughout.
Barcelona, who have already been eliminated from this season’ Champions League and Copa del Rey, climbed to fifth in the standings with thirty-five points from twenty-one matches. They trail leaders Real Madrid by fifteen points, with a game in hand, and are only to some extent adrift of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
“The triumph was extremely vital attributable to our scenario in the league and therefore the difficult season that we tend to are going through, however, we still have a lot of things to figure on and improve,” DE Jong told reporters.
It was a lacklustre and flat game at Mendizorrotza Stadium, with players grumbling regarding the frozen pitch.
Barca tried to shake things up when the break with the introduction of 20-year-old midfielder Nico, whereas Gerard Pique’ close-range shot was blocked due to a superb left-footed save from Fernando Pacheco.
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Alaves’ Joselu went close with a strong header but that flew simply wide of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’ right post.
It was de Jong’s last-gasp effort that finally swung the game Barcelona’ way.
Alaves remained in nineteenth place with seventeen points from twenty-two games, 3 points adrift of the safety zone.
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FULL TIME! #AlavésBarça pic.twitter.com/HjoKu9oxr3
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 23, 2022
