Xavi Hernandez and his Barcelona facet can take a decisive step in direction of profitable La Liga on Sunday — the place a Clasico victory over Real Madrid would ship them 12 factors away from the champions. The Catalans haven’t received the Spanish title since Ernesto Valverde was on the helm in 2019 and increasing the hole on their bitter rivals in second would nearly clinch it. Madrid received the primary La Liga Clasico 3-1 in October however Xavi’s facet have vastly improved since then. The coach is determined to win the league title to validate the group’s development, whereas for the membership it could signify a swift return on their outlay final summer time.
Despite their monetary disaster, Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and different gamers by promoting off future tv rights in a transfer some blasted for playing with the membership’s future.
Champions League group-stage elimination, adopted by a Europa League knock-out by Manchester United, confirmed Barcelona nonetheless have a protracted solution to go, however they’ve made vital progress.
Beating Real Madrid 3-1 within the Spanish Super Cup remaining in January in Saudi Arabia earned Xavi his first trophy as coach, and the efficiency was dominant.
By distinction, when the groups met earlier March within the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Madrid had the higher of the sport, however Barcelona nonetheless scraped a 1-Zero win.
How the Catalans strategy this Clasico is a key subject for Xavi to determine.
Fans at Camp Nou might not react properly to a equally defensive efficiency, and can anticipate Barcelona to take the initiative extra.
That will likely be considerably simpler if midfield maestro Pedri is match.
Without the Canary Islander, already important for membership and nation at 20 years previous, Barcelona appear nearly incapable of enjoying possession soccer.
Pedri has been lacking with a thigh harm for six video games throughout all competitions and in his absence, when Barcelona have received it has been by counting on their rock-solid defence.
Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior fired blanks on the Santiago Bernabeu within the Copa Clasico and the latter has been shackled by Ronald Araujo in current battles with Barcelona.
Xavi tends to pick the Uruguayan centre-back at right-back in opposition to Madrid so he can face off in opposition to the Brazilian winger.
Barcelona have discovered that by shutting down Vinicius, Madrid’s assault is considerably much less harmful.
“For me he is the best in the world,” mentioned Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Champions League win over Liverpool in midweek, backing Vinicius to the hilt.
However Madrid might must show they produce other routes to objective if Vinicius is saved quiet.
The winger arrange Benzema as Los Blancos beat Liverpool 1-Zero on Wednesday to succeed in the Champions League quarter-finals, 6-2 on mixture.
It was a powerful show which reveals the reigning Spanish and European champions can produce the products when it really issues to them.
The alternative to chop the hole on Barcelona to 6 factors on the prime of La Liga might re-ignite the title race, however the document 14-time European champions’ fundamental objective is retaining that trophy.
“We have to continue with this rhythm, playing like we’ve played today, and I hope it’s like that in the Clasico, we have to win,” mentioned Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, after beating Liverpool.
Benzema is anticipated to be match after taking a blow to the shin in opposition to the Reds, however Barcelona are nonetheless lacking his compatriot Ousmane Dembele.
To upset the Catalans, Madrid must handle one thing just one different La Liga facet have completed all season — scoring in opposition to the hosts at Camp Nou.
Joselu netted a penalty for Espanyol in December and no participant has scored from open play within the prime flight this season at Barcelona’s stadium.
Player to observe: Sergi Darder
Espanyol midfielder Sergi Darder has pulled the strings for his facet this season and is essential to their bid to keep away from relegation. His facet face Celta Vigo on Saturday at dwelling and with Espanyol a degree above the drop zone, it’s a must-win sport.
Key stats
19 – Pedri, aiming to return on Sunday, leads La Liga for many by balls performed
54 – No participant has made extra tackles this season in Spain than Celta Vigo’s Javi Galan
100 – Cadiz goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma has been the busiest in La Liga with a century of saves
Fixtures (all instances GMT)
Friday
Real Valladolid v Athletic Bilbao (2000)
Saturday
Almeria v Cadiz (1300), Rayo Vallecano v Girona (1515), Espanyol v Celta Vigo (1730), Atletico Madrid v Valencia (2000)
Sunday
Real Betis v Real Mallorca (1300), Osasuna v Villarreal (1515), Real Sociedad v Elche (1515), Getafe v Sevilla (1730), Barcelona v Real Madrid (2000)
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