The “Ceramics” club made noticeable progress last season, finishing fifth with 70 points. This was enough to return to the Champions League. However, the Spaniards performed unexpectedly poorly there. Against Copenhagen, they conceded late and ended up losing. In the cup, they only got past Antoniano in a penalty shootout, after which they lost to Racing. But in La Liga, they manage to keep up with the three giants! They also beat Levante.
The Catalan giant, after a “dry” 2023/2024 season, made significant improvements and won all the “Spanish” trophies under Flick. Now, there have been quite a few slip-ups, and even the German has lost his temper, while Araújo did not play due to depression. Nevertheless, in La Liga, they managed to return to first place by winter. They coped with Osasuna in the previous round and, this week, with Guadalajara in the cup. In the Champions League, there were also setbacks, alternating with victories. Eintracht Frankfurt was also defeated.
Marcelino’s side scores an average of 2.07 goals per game, conceding 0.87 in response. The champions score an average of 2.88 goals per game but also concede a significant 1.18 goals.
Villarreal have won eight of their last thirteen matches
47% of Villarreal’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.93
Barcelona have won eight of their last nine games
71% of Barcelona’s matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 4.06.
Villarreal (probable lineup): Junior – S. Cardona, Veiga, Foyth, Navarro – Moleiro, Parejo, Comesaña, Buchanan – Mikautadze, Ayoze Pérez.
Barcelona (probable lineup): Garcia – Balde, Martin, Cubarsí, Koundé – Pedri, Eric Garcia, Rashford, Yamal, Bardají – Ferran Torres.
