Barcelona – No right to lose
The Catalans are just one point above Real Madrid in La Liga standings after they failed to take all 3 points away from home when they came up against Espanyol two weeks ago. This weekend, the Yellow Submarines appear to be a dangerous side to beat, but Barcelona have only one option, which is to win.
Losing might worsen their situation since they have been striving remarkably in the past few days. The Catalans won 3-1 against Xerez last Saturday, but they got disqualified from the Champions League subsequent to their incapability to overturn a 3-1 score line which they suffered at the San Siro on April 20.
Almost everything is over now for Barcelona, and taking this weekend’s game for granted could let them drop another 3 points. Such a setback could place Real in the lead once again, ending the Azulgranas’ chances of playing in the Spanish Super Cup this summer. Barcelona have somehow promised their fans to give their all in the league so as to defend their La Liga title, but unfortunately, just as the mission seems to get harder, their archrivals Los Blancos seem to get better.
Villarreal and Barcelona drew 1-1 at the Camp Nou in January this year, with Pedro snatching the opener for the home side, and Fuster getting the equalizer for the visitors. That match presented quite some controversy as the referee refused to award Villarreal clear penalties, but this time around, it will be advisable for Barcelona to keep their calm and get a triumph at any rate.
Quick Team News
Center midfielder Xavi Hernandez is said to have an injury, and therefore, he could miss his club’s match against Villarreal this Saturday. The playmaker has however poured water on claims saying that he will not travel with the squad, as he declared that nothing was really confirmed.
"I have a minor calf problem that has been bothering me for a few days now," said Xavi while speaking to journalists at a press conference."I don't know if I will be able to help the team at the Madrigal."
New comer Thiago Alcántara and defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy are also expected to join the travelling team, as Andres Iniesta and French star Eric Abidal are still under recovery.
Villarreal To Do Real Madrid A Favor?
Real are hoping with all their hearts that the Catalans fail to win away to Villarreal this weekend. No matter what happens between the Yellow Submarines and the Catalans, a win for the Galacticos over Osasuna will be enough for the Castellans to keep the pressure on the current league leaders Barcelona.
At this point in time, Villarreal have the power to decide the future of the 2 La Liga contenders, but will they use their benefits, or will they leave Pep Guardiola’s army to invade their stadium? Indubitably, the home side on Saturday better go for the best, for ending their game as losers might jeopardize their opportunities of playing in the UEFA Europa League next season, seeing that they are just 2 points above the 7th place.
Quick Team News
Villarreal players Santi Carzola and Marco Senna have just affirmed that they are 100% fit for the Barcelona clash at home. They have expressed their confidence to live up to their supporters’ expectations, and speaking to the press, this is what Senna said:
“Playing well against Barca is very complicated, but usually, we don’t have any problem with that issue. We need to be victorious and play in a relax way. Seriously, we are going to win.”
The Yellow Submarines should not be affected by any injury problem, and hence, they should complete their task so as to humble their rivals at the Madrigal.
La Liga Standings (Top 5) – April 30, 2010
Barcelona - 87 points
Real Madrid - points
Valencia - 62 points
Mallorca - 56 points
Sevilla - 54 points
