Villarreal, meanwhile, arrive 10 points off top spot but firmly entrenched in the Champions League positions, knowing that a statement victory could both tighten the race and reinforce their top-four credentials.
Match Preview
Barcelona’s recent form has been a study in resilience. Earlier this month, Hansi Flick’s side endured consecutive setbacks — a 4-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat to Atletico Madrid and a 2-1 La Liga reverse against Girona FC. However, their response was emphatic, dispatching Levante UD 3-0 to reclaim top spot.The Blaugrana have been prolific domestically, winning 20 of 25 league fixtures and scoring 67 goals. Their attacking output has been spearheaded by Ferran Torres (12 league goals), Lamine Yamal (10) and Robert Lewandowski (10), offering multi-channel threats in transition and structured build-up alike.
Barcelona also boast a strong historical edge in this fixture, winning 35 of 57 meetings across all competitions, including a 2-0 victory in the reverse clash earlier this season.
Yet Villarreal’s recent visits to Camp Nou complicate the narrative. The Yellow Submarine have won their last two away league games against Barcelona — notably a thrilling 5-3 success in January 2024 — and will not be psychologically overawed.
Under Marcelino, Villarreal have compiled an impressive record of 16 wins, three draws and six defeats from 25 matches. A 2-1 victory over Valencia CF last time out continued a strong run of three wins in four league outings. With the fourth-best away record in La Liga (20 points from 12 matches), their counter-attacking structure and vertical transitions could expose Barcelona’s high defensive line.
Importantly, Villarreal are free from European distractions after exiting the Champions League at the league stage, allowing full tactical focus on domestic competition.
Team News
Barcelona’s midfield dynamics remain fluid. Gavi has resumed training following a long-term knee injury but is unlikely to be rushed back into action. Andreas Christensen remains sidelined with a similar issue, while Gerard Martin is suspended.A more immediate concern is Frenkie de Jong, who is set for approximately six weeks out with a hamstring injury. That absence may accelerate the reintegration of Pedri and Fermin Lopez into the starting XI.
Defensively, Joao Cancelo impressed at left-back against Levante and could retain his spot ahead of Alejandro Balde.
Villarreal’s availability concerns centre on their defensive unit. Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Juan Foyth are all sidelined. Gerard Moreno and Pape Gueye face late fitness assessments, which could influence midfield balance and attacking combinations.
Expect Ayoze Perez and Georges Mikautadze to lead the line, with Alfonso Pedraza pushing for inclusion at left-back after a strong substitute cameo against Valencia.
Possible Starting Lineups
Barcelona:J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Villarreal:
Luiz Junior; Mourino, Navarro, Veiga, Pedraza; Pepe, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Perez
Tactical Outlook
This encounter projects as an open contest with high expected goals (xG) potential. Barcelona’s positional play under Flick emphasises overloads in half-spaces and rapid ball circulation to isolate wide forwards. Villarreal, conversely, excel in compact mid-block structures and quick vertical progression once possession is regained.The duel between Barcelona’s advancing full-backs and Villarreal’s wide runners could determine transitional superiority. Additionally, second-phase control in midfield — particularly in the absence of De Jong — may tilt the tempo.
Prediction
Barcelona 2-1 Villarreal
