Match preview
Barcelona will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they take on Real Valladolid inside the José Zorrilla Stadium on Tuesday. The Catalan outfit has struggled for consistency this term and will finally aim to show real intent in the battle for the league title by buiding on the weekend's draw with Valencia.
In the game in which Lionel Messi equalled Pele's record for the most goals scored by a player for a single club, Los Blaugrana were forced to share spoils with Los Che following the 2-2 full-time result. They consequently extended their unbeaten run in La Liga to three while remaining seven points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid from their current fifth position.
Finding a proven winning formula has been quite a task for Ronald Koeman's side how have only managed just six wins from 13 outings since his ascension as the club's manager. Considering how thick and fast the games keep coming, a sustainable remedy is needed with fans constantly expressing frustration with regards to the team's performances.
Against Valladolid, that turnaround will require some doing considering the host's recent run of form despite their current position on the league log. The Pucela, who sit 17th on the table, go into Tuesday's game off the back of a single defeat in their last six games. Since the beginning of November, they have only lost to Atletico Madrid, picking up wins against Athletic Club, Granada and Osasuna while drawing against both Levante and Sevilla.
Indeed, their status as occupants right above the relegation zone does not present a fair reflection of their overall performance this season and, against Barcelona, Sergio's men will hope to cause one of the biggest upsets of the season. Nevertheless, having been on the losing end in each of their last four meetings with the Catalans makes the task a daunting one.
Team news
Valladolid will go into Tuesday's encounter without Joaquin Fernandez, Saidy Janko, and Javi Moyano. Kiko Oliva is also ruled out after missing the weekend's encounter with Sevilla through injury.
For Barcelona, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique and Ansu Fati are all unavailable as they are yet to make full recoveries. Ousmane Dembele also remains unlikely to be involved despite stepping up recovery for a hamstring issue.
Predicted starting XI
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Real Valladolid: Masip; Hervias, Bruno, El Yamiq, Garcia; Orellana, Mesa, Fede, Plano; Weissman, Maranhao
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Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Busquets; Braithwaite, Pedri, Griezmann; Messi.
Broadcast information
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United States: beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, Fanatiz USA
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United Kingdom: Premier Player HD, LaLigaTV
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Spain: Movistar Laliga, Movistar Laliga 2, Movistar+, Partidazo in Movistar LaLiga, Mitele Plus
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Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada, beIN Sports Canada, beIN SPORTS en Español
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
