Preview: Barca hoping to remain in the title race

Real Madrid’s slip up against Valladolid has provided rivals Barcelona with a glorious opportunity and as things stand now the Catalans can retain the title if they are to win the remaining two matches in the competition.

Barcelona have been on a disappointing run themselves and will need to pick up their socks if they are to get anything out of the match. The Blaugrana have recorded just two victories in their last five matches in all competition, a form which will have to drastically improve if they are to continue battling for the title. Barcelona were unable to notch all three points in their last outing as well when they faced Getafe.

Lionel Messi and Chilean international Alexis Sánchez grabbed goals for the home side, but Lafita’s double including the equalizer in injury time denied Barcelona of all three points which was another hurdle in their quest for a 23rd league title.

The current season has not brought much luck to the Catalans and as things currently stand the European giants might end a season trophy less for the first time in six years. Luckily for them both their rivals have not been in inspiring form either. Whereas Real Madrid have drawn two successive matches, Atleti were provided with an excellent opportunity to wrap up the title but they bottled it up by losing 2-0 to Levante last time out.

Barcelona will now be hoping to put up a powerful performance against Elche on Sunday which will set the tone for the title showdown against Atletico Madrid on the final day of the current La Liga campaign. The match against Atletico might also possibly be Gerardo Martino’s last game in charge of the club after taking over the reigns at the beginning of the season.

The Argentinean has failed to live upto the billing and has not met the standards set by his predecessors with rumors of his replacements already looming large. However the Barcelona coach has received support from some of the players including midfield maestro Andres Iniesta who has insisted that Martino is the right man for the job and that he must be given the time to prove himself.

"For me, the coach that we have now is the best," Iniesta said.

"Also, I would be delighted if he stayed here for longer and showed everyone what he can do.”

"The first year is a difficult one for everyone. I have always seen him with the desire and determination needed. He always believes in our chances."

“Things don’t always go how you want them to, but you have to try. The world of Barcelona is always difficult, not just for him, but for everyone and for us players as well. There is a constant high demand and you have to be ready for it."

"We have failed as a team at important moments. Sometimes things don’t go how you want them to.

"This isn’t because you don’t want it, it’s just how it goes sometimes. You always need to be making changes, regardless of whether you are winning trophies or not."

Barcelona will not be guaranteed a win on Sunday for their opponents Elche have been in magnificent form. Los Franjiverdes are unbeaten at home in their last nine games and will be hoping for a point on Sunday which will enhance their chances of avoiding relegation. Whereas Fran Escribá’s men have been uninspiring going forward having scored just 29 goals in the league this season, they boast one of the meanest defences having conceded just 47 goals which makes their defence the second best in the bottom half of the table.

Barcelona were outright winners last time the two sides met in the reverse fixture which was highlighted by a wonderful hat-trick from Alexis Sánchez and also included a goal from Pedro who collected Cesc Fabregas’ sublime pass before rounding the goalkeeper to put the ball in the net.
Elche will be without first choice keeper Tono as well as defender Alberto Botia. Barcelona on the other hand have a growing injury list and are more or less depleted at the back with all of Victor Valdes (knee), Carles Puyol (knee), Gerard Pique (groin) and Jordi Alba (hamstring) unavailable for the crucial clash on Sunday. Brazilian international Neymar will also remain on the sidelines as he nurses his foot injury and will not be available for selection.

Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores

Watch Elche vs Barcelona live on Sunday, May 11, 2014:

In Canada at 13:00 ET on beIN Sports Play Canada, beIN Sports Canada

In UK at 18:00 BST on Sky Go Extra, Sky Go, Sky Sports 1/HD, Sky Sports Red Button

In US at 13:00 ET on beIN Sports Play, beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports USA

Fans in Australia can catch the action live on Fox Sports 3 Australia

For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Elche vs Barcelona match page.