Real Valladolid, on a five-match losing streak and facing the prospect of dropping out of La Liga, will host newly crowned La Liga champions Barcelona at the Hose Zorrilla Stadium on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT.
Valladolid need to win their remaining three matches to stand a chance of beating the drop, starting with the Barcelona clash on Tuesday.
The champions showed signs of taking their foot off the gas in the previous match against Real Sociedad, which ended in a 2-1 home reverse.
Key Highlights
Real Valladolid’s Fight for Survival in La Liga
Five straight losses for Valladolid in their last five matches mean they are 18th on the table, inside the relegation zone, with just three La Liga matches to go.
However, Valladolid are not down and out; they are level on 35 points with Getafe (17th on the table) and three behind 16th-placed Cadiz. This means there is a chance of sneaking out of the drop and staying in La Liga – they must win their remaining three matches.
The challenge for Valladolid is that the remaining three matches include Tuesday’s date with the champions at home.
If they get a positive result in the Barcelona match, Paulo Pezzolano and his men will be well-positioned for the last two clashes against Almeria and the six-pointer against Getafe.
Pezzolano will know that the Barcelona clash is a must-not-lose for his side and will look to go all in for victory, which will go a long way in bolstering their survival bid.
Bet hereBarcelona’s Bid to Ensure the Season Does Not Fizzle Out
Xavi Hernandez and his side succumbed to defeat at home against Real Sociedad in their last outing as the champions show signs of taking it easy after being crowned as La Liga’s top team this season.
With three rounds of fixtures still to come, Xavi would not like the season to petter out with below-par performances and defeats.
Barcelona will, therefore, look to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to relegation-fighting Real Valladolid on Tuesday.
Xavi is still expected to rotate his squad heavily as he tries to give some of the fringe players and the young prospects a run in the team. Eyes are also inevitably gazing into the future and next season as La Blaugrana will look to defend their crown.
Injury Report
Real Valladolid
Paulo Pezzolano will be without three players for the visit of Barcelona.
Central midfielder Anuar is out with a cruciate ligament injury. Attacking midfielder, Selim Amallah, is also sidelined with a shoulder fracture, with the 26-year-old having missed seven matches for Valladolid.
Right-back Luis Perez will also miss the Barcelona clash. The 28-year-old is out with an adductors avulsion, which has kept him on the sidelines for the last five rounds of La Liga fixtures.
Barcelona
Xavi will be without centre-back Ronald Araujo, with the 24-year-old out sidelined with a calf injury. Araujo has been out of contention since May 15, 2023, and has missed 1 match for Barcelona.
Central midfielder Pedri is also on the sidelines with thigh problems since May 15, 2023.
Possible Lineups
Real Valladolid
J. Masip; J. Yamiq, J. Sanchez, J. Fernandex; S. Escudero, K. Perez, Monchu, L Rosa, A. Aguado; C. Larin, S. Leon
Barcelona
M. ter, Stegen; A. Balde, J. Kounde, A. Christensen, J. Alba; F. Kessie, S. Buesquets, F. de Jong; Raphinha, R. Lewandowski, O. Dembele
Prediction
Real Valladolid will put up a fight with a battling performance against Barcelona. The champions will look to dominate and dispatch the relegation-threatened Valladolid with style.
Barcelona will win the match and return to their winning ways.
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