Barcelona vs Real Valladolid – preview
Barcelona resume their La Ligat campaign on Monday, taking on Real Valladolid in a crucial fixture in the title race. The Catalan giants will host the relegation-battling side at 3 p.m. as the Blaugrana aim to close in on league leaders Atletico.
Given Barcelona's form and the fact that Messi and Co. boast the home advantage, one might wonder what the importance of this midweek clash is. The answer is simple: after Atletico Madrid's gut-blowing 1-0 loss at Sevilla on Sunday, Barcelona could move within a point of Simeone's table-topping side.
If the Spanish giants can pull this off, it would only boost their hopes of winning the league title in what has been a topsy-turvy campaign from Koeman's side. The Blaugrana had been without a president for some months and were 14th in the table last November, in danger of missing out on a top-four finish at one point. Old wounds were rehashed when the Catalans crashed out of the Champions League last 16 after being beaten 4-1 at home by PSG, but all would be forgotten if the Camp Nou outfit pull off the league and cup double – they are set to play the Copa del Rel final against Athletic Club later this month.
Furthermore, Koeman's crew will be taking on Real Madrid in the always-exciting El Clasico showdown on Saturday, one of two fixtures that could make or break Barcelona's title push. A slip-up right before their trip to Santiago Bernabeu would not be ideal. Fortunately, the stats back Messi and Co. to win on Monday.
Barcelona have triumphed in their last five league fixtures and are unbeaten in the Spanish top-flight since December 5. Defensive stability has been crucial as of late, with Koeman's men conceding only two goals in their last five outings, while captain Leo has been inspirational in 2021, with the Argentine contributing to 27 goals in this calendar year, scoring 19 and assisting eight.
Real Valladolid, on the other hand, need points for a totally different reason as the 16th-placed side look to put as much distance between themselves and the relegation zone. Currently, only three points separate them from the danger zone but the visitors are unbeaten in their last five matches. However, beating Getafe and drawing with Celta Vigo, Osasuna and Sevilla is different from picking up a point at the Camp Nou. Can Sergio Gonzalez's side upset the hosts? Tune in to find out.
Team news
Barcelona: Sergi Roberto is back for the Blaugrana but the same cannot be said about Coutinho, Fati, and Pique. Barcelona fortunately did not suffer any injuries during the international break, meaning Koeman has little to no selection headache. Messi enjoyed a lovely rest as Argentina were not in action, meaning he will lead the line once again and should be joined by Dembele.
Real Valladolid: Jota, Pablo Hervias, Raul Garcia and Kiko Olivas are all sidelined. Fabian Orellana, on the other hand, is suspended. On top of that, Joaquin Fernandez, Michel, Kike Perez, Luis Perez and Roberto Jimenez have all contracted COVID-19 and will be forced to sit this one out.
Key stats
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Barcelona have beaten Real Valladolid in 13 of the last 14 encounters.
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Furthermore, the Blaugrana have triumphed in each of their last five showdowns with Monday's opponents.
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The Catalan giants boast an 18-game unbeaten run, winning 15 and drawing three since December 2020.
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
