Preview: Barcelona can reclaim top spot with a victory
Barcelona will return to action on Saturday, when they travel to Estadio Nuevo Jose Zorrilla to take on Real Valladolid. With the hosts currently in the relegation zone, any points are always welcome, but they will not have it easy against the Catalans.
Having had 13 members of his first team squad away on international duty mid-week, Gerardo Martino is not willing to use that as an excuse.
From the travel time, fatigue and lack of time to prepare for Saturday’s match, all of that can play into a player’s performance. But one important aspect that should lift the spirits of the visitors should be the fact that they could possibly reclaim the top spot in La Liga if Real Madrid fails to win on Sunday.
“It’s true there are extenuating circumstances, it’s been a very short week and majority of the players arrived back yesterday,” Martino told reporters on Friday.
“We’ve only been able to talk about the game today, but there cannot be any excuses. We need to have a good game and win.”
Being able to get a victory away from home and put pressure on Real Madrid will be important. The Merengues host Levante on Sunday, but if they were to go into their match in second place that could potentially play a big part psychologically.
Barcelona will know how important this match is to them, but it will be just as important for Valladolid.
Three points separate Valladolid from safety, so with the season entering the final stretch, every match is like a final. And seeing how Barcelona has proven that they can slip-up at times this season, the hosts will be confident that a solid performance could frustrate the visitors.
Martino will welcome back Gerard Pique from injury, but he has a lengthy list of absences.
Carles Puyol will not be available, and the same goes for Jordi Alba, Afellay, Alex Song and Jose Pinto.
Avoiding another poor result away from the Nou Camp will be Barcelona’s main focus, but Valladolid’s record proves that they could be tough to beat.
The hosts have drawn 11 of their 26 league matches to date. Along with those draws, they are averaging a little over one goal per match, while conceding about two. Scoring against the current champions will not be easy, but the Catalans could possibly have one eye on their mid-week clash with Manchester City, which could benefit the hosts.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Rayo Valladolid vs Barcelona live on Saturday, March 8, 2014:
In Canada at 10:00 ET on: beIN Sports Play Canada
In the USA at 10:00 ET on: SiriusXM FC, beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports Play
Viewers in Spain can watch this match on C+ Liga Multi, Gol Stadium, GOL T and Canal+ Liga / HD. If you are outside of these viewing areas, please visit the Rayo Valladolid vs Barcelona match page for full TV listings.
