Barcelona have to close the gap on Real Madrid, but they face a tough task. Levante come to the Camp Nou with good reasons to spoil the Catalans’ plans.
Barcelona occupy the second position with 31 points, but they have played a game more than leaders Real Madrid. In midweek, they thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0, but they still sit three points behind their arch-rivals.
They have a big game ahead of them, as they face Real Madrid in El Clasico on December 10. But Coach Pep Guardiola prefers to focus on his match against Levante. His club’s official website quoted him saying:
“The most important match is always the next one, against Levante.
“When you are behind, you must have the ambition of trying to catch the leader. It's normal.”
However, Levante’s hopes of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season are still very much alive. They lie in 4th position with 26 points, with 8 wins in their campaign so far.
Former Barcelona player Xavi Torres is expected to feature in the Levante side. Interestingly, he has lots of memories of Pep Guardiola, having played under him in the Barcelona B team.
Speaking of tactics, things are supposed to be easier at the back for the visitors, as Brazilian full-back Adriano will be missing following a hamstring injury. Unfortunately for Barcelona though, defender Gerard Pique is under suspension, and Ibrahim Afellay is just another injury victim.
For Levante, there are worries over the fitness status of defender Nano and winger Juanlu - who is his team’s top scorer. Jose Barkero is also ineligible to participate in the game as he is also under suspension.
They have a big game ahead of them, as they face Real Madrid in El Clasico on December 10. But Coach Pep Guardiola prefers to focus on his match against Levante. His club’s official website quoted him saying:
“The most important match is always the next one, against Levante.
“When you are behind, you must have the ambition of trying to catch the leader. It's normal.”
However, Levante’s hopes of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season are still very much alive. They lie in 4th position with 26 points, with 8 wins in their campaign so far.
Former Barcelona player Xavi Torres is expected to feature in the Levante side. Interestingly, he has lots of memories of Pep Guardiola, having played under him in the Barcelona B team.
Speaking of tactics, things are supposed to be easier at the back for the visitors, as Brazilian full-back Adriano will be missing following a hamstring injury. Unfortunately for Barcelona though, defender Gerard Pique is under suspension, and Ibrahim Afellay is just another injury victim.
For Levante, there are worries over the fitness status of defender Nano and winger Juanlu - who is his team’s top scorer. Jose Barkero is also ineligible to participate in the game as he is also under suspension.
