Barcelona moved back into second place in LaLiga after battling to a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in San Sebastian on Thursday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his ninth goal in eight La Liga starts as Barca reclaimed second place.
Aubameyang's goal, which was a close-range header after Ferran Torres had looped a cross over the Sociedad keeper, came from Barca's only shot on target.
Sociedad piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer but Barca's back-up defensive duo of Garcia and Lenglet stood firm under siege.
Alves was subbed 11 minutes later after coming off worse following a challenge from former Barca teammate Rafinha.