Barcelona looked to be cruising to the La Liga title until they threw away a two-goal lead away at Sevilla in their last domestic outing. That draw allowed Real Madrid to move within a couple of points of the league-leading Catalans, setting up a potentially grandstand finish. Making things even more nervy for Barça is their difficult game at home to Valencia on Saturday, with coach Nuno’s side still in the pursuit for a top four finish.
Barcelona vs. Valencia 2015: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Barcelona will look to extend their lead at the top of the La Liga table with a win at home to Valencia on Saturday.
Lars Baron/Getty Images
Heading into this match, Valencia haven’t lost a single game since early February. It has been something of a resurgent season for Los Murciélagos, who sit just 10 points off the top of the table with eight rounds to go. They don’t stand a realistic chance of winning the title, but should be able to qualify for Champions League football after a year away.
Key player - Luis Suárez (Barcelona)
Barcelona have the most formidable attack of anyone in Europe, though their most on-form attacking star is goalscoring cannibal Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan netted twice in Barça's 3-1 win away at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek, ensuring he's scored 13 goals in his last 15 matches. It's a highly impressive record, and with Lionel Messi and Neymar providing service, it's little wonder. Valencia's defence could well struggle to keep him quiet.
Key matchup - Sofiane Feghouli vs. Jordi Alba
One of the most intriguing battles in this match will be between Barça’s marauding left-back Jordi Alba and Valencia’s winger Sofiane Feghouli. The Algerian attacker will look to take any advantage his opposite number vacates in behind, particularly on the counter-attack. Don’t be surprised if he’s Valencia’s main outlet on the counter-attack.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Andrés Iniesta (back), Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring).
Valencia injuries and suspensions
Out: José Gayá, Pablo Piatti, Enzo Pérez (hamstring). In doubt: None.
Barça could be without Andrés Iniesta after he picked up an injury in the Champions League in midweek, while centre-back Thomas Vermaelen may have to wait longer to make his debut thanks to a persistent hamstring injury. Valencia, meanwhile, will be without left-back José Gayá, winger Pablo Piatti, and midfielder Enzo Pérez.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 4 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish) Canal+ Liga / HD, Movistar TV Fútbol (Spain)
Online: beIN SPORTS CONNECT (U.S. and Canada), Fubo TV (U.S), Gol Stadium (Spain)
See More:
