Tired Barcelona will again put pressure on Real, must win before El Clasico
After a thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, Barcelona are now focusing on La Liga, where another win could give them a 7-point lead over Real Madrid. Hansi Flick’s team bounced back after falling behind twice against Inter, but their defensive problems are still haunting them.
Question of Defensive Concerns
After the match, Barca winger Raphinha said, “We again conceded too many goals at home, which is absolutely not acceptable.” This season Barcelona has scored more than 150 goals in all competitions, but in recent matches their defense has looked very weak. In the last five matches there has been only one clean sheet, which is a matter of concern for Flick.
Coach Hansi Flick also admitted that due to the tight schedule the team is not getting time to work on some things. “Every team has its own strengths and weaknesses. When you play matches every three days, it is difficult to improve in some areas,” he said in the press conference.
Match with Valladolid – easy or another test?
Barcelona’s next match is on Saturday against Real Valladolid, which on paper is considered easy. Valladolid has already been relegated and their record is also very poor – only 4 wins and 81 goals scored in 33 matches. Barca beat them 7-0 in August, so fans are expecting another dominating performance.
But a tight schedule and injuries have tired the Barcelona team. Jules Kounde suffered a calf injury in the match against Inter and had to be substituted after that. Kounde is the Barca player who has played the most minutes in La Liga and Champions League this season. Since November 2023, he has played more than 100 consecutive matches – for both club and country.
His absence could further weaken Barca’s defence, which is already under pressure.
Real Madrid’s situation and direction
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s situation is not very good either. After losing to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, they are left with only the LaLiga title which they are chasing. If Barca wins against Valladolid, they will have a 7-point gap over Real, which could be a huge psychological advantage ahead of El Clasico.
There are reports in the Spanish media that Carlo Ancelotti’s time at the club is coming to an end. The Brazil national team wants him as head coach, and if Real Madrid’s form continues to decline, his departure seems certain.
Real Madrid’s next match is against Celta Vigo, where they have no choice but to win. If they drop points and Barca win, El Clasico on 11 May could virtually become the title decider – where Barca could even officially secure the title.
El Clasico record in Barca’s favour
Barca and Real Madrid have clashed three times in domestic competitions so far this season, and Barca have won all three times. They have scored a total of 12 goals in these matches – which shows how they have established dominance against Real.
If this trend continues, Barcelona could fulfil their La Liga title dream much earlier.
Weekend of Atletico and Athletic Bilbao
The weekend action will begin with Atletico Madrid’s match where they will play against Deportivo Alaves. Although it is difficult for them to catch Barcelona (there is a 10-point gap), they can challenge Real Madrid for second spot.
Athletic Bilbao look secure in fourth position, but their focus is now on the Europa League semi-final where their first leg is against Manchester United. After that they will also face Real Sociedad on Sunday.
While Barcelona look physically and mentally tired, their chance of a historic treble is still alive. A convincing win against Valladolid will take them closer to the title, while Real Madrid will have to find answers regarding both their form and future.
Will Barcelona set the direction for the league title before El Clasico? Or will Real fight back once again? All eyes are on Saturday and Sunday’s fixtures.