The Spanish international centre-back was at the heart of the action during the opening 45 minutes.
Barcelona faced early trouble against Deportivo Alavés on matchday 13 of LaLiga. Samu Omorodion gave Alavés the lead after a mere 18 seconds, and the visitors grew more influential as the first half unfolded. Barcelona argued for a penalty in the 20th minute after a challenge inside the box, but the whistle did not go in the visitors’ favor.
Approximately 22 minutes into the game, as Alavés pressed and Barcelona trailed 0–1, a loose ball situation near the edge of the box led to a disputed handball. The ball struck the outstretched hand of Íñigo Martínez, the Spanish international central defender, in a moment that Alavés believed warranted a spot-kick. The referee did not award a penalty, nor did VAR intervene to review the incident on the monitor.
The incident sparked discussion among fans, analysts, and the Alavés camp, with some observers comparing it to other penalties that have sparked debate this season. A short, high-velocity description of the contact suggested the elbow and arm were raised in a way that could have drawn a penalty under some interpretations, yet the officials did not signal a foul and play continued (Goal).
As the match progressed, the tempo remained brisk with both sides trading phases of pressure and defensive organization. The encounter was characterized by disciplined defending from Barcelona and the forward momentum of Alavés, who appeared keen to extend their lead or force a decisive mistake from the home team. In between the contentious moments, the story of the half revolved around the ball, the positioning of Martínez, and the ongoing debate over where the line between fair contact and a penal foul should be drawn.
From a tactical perspective, the Spanish defender displayed composure under early duress. His positioning often kept Alavés from exploiting the channels on the flanks and helped shield Barcelona’s back line during moments of high pressure. Yet the drama around potential penalties and the quick counterattacks underscored how a single decision can tilt the momentum in a tight league clash.
The buildup and execution of Alavés’ attacking forays highlighted the visitors’ willingness to exploit gaps at the edges of Barcelona’s defense, while Barcelona showed resilience by tightening their shape and seeking quick transitions to unlock the Alavés block. The half concluded with a clear message: the match would hinge on whether Barcelona could level the score and control the tempo in the second period, or if Alavés could maintain their early advantage and push for a decisive moment before the whistle.
Minute by minute, the narrative of Barcelona vs. Alavés in this LaLiga season carried weight beyond the scoreboard. Fans were left anticipating how the officials would handle similar disputes in the second half and whether additional chances would present themselves for either side to rewrite the course of the match (Goal).
In sum, the first half was defined by a palpable gap between early Alavés momentum and Barcelona’s attempts to stabilize proceedings. Íñigo Martínez found himself in the center of a controversial moment that will likely be remembered in discussions about the game, illustrating how officiating decisions can shape the arc of a match in high-stakes domestic football.
Follow live updates for Barcelona vs. Alavés in LaLiga 2023-2024 as the teams prepare for the second half, with a focus on goals, standout plays, and the ongoing debates about refereeing decisions in this encounter (Goal).