By Karl Matchett
Even with a six-point lead with seven games remaining, Hansi Flick’s team won’t take much for granted in La Liga. Four of those matches are away and what’s more, there’s a bigger potential problem at play.
The decision maker
If Barcelona win their next three games and chasing Real Madrid do the same – or if they match each other’s points total over that period – then the two teams’ meeting at the Camp Nou on May 10 will not only be one of the most-watched matches of the season, but a potential title decider. If Barça wins this meeting, they will win the title, at home and against their biggest rivals. However, make a mistake in advance and open the door for a Real comeback, and Los Blancos can swoop in and reignite a title charge.
But Barca are 16 out of 16 so far at home this season – keep it up here and it’s just a few baby steps and a third title in four seasons will be theirs!
Late return
However, we should not expect this to be a one-sided encounter, with Celta Vigo writing their own history this season. They sit sixth in the table, poised for their best domestic campaign in a decade. They also reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League and look well placed to qualify for European competition in consecutive seasons for the first time in 22 years, since the team of Alexandr Mostovoi, Gustavo Lopez and Sylvinho.
That year they were in the Champions League after finishing fourth in 2002/03 – and they were relegated too. Two decades later, Celta looks set to once again become a competitive team near the top.
Recent form
Only one defeat in 12 for Barcelona, but it was damaging in the first leg at home against Atlético. Since then, they have won two more times.
Celta have suffered a crisis at the wrong time, losing four of their last five games in all competitions, but their away form in La Liga is the third best of any club.
Team News
Barcelona remain without key striker Raphinha as well as Marc Bernal and Andreas Christensen, but the returns of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi give them options in midfield.
For Celta, Carl Starfelt is doubtful and will be a big miss if he can’t play, but Javi Rodríguez is back from suspension. Striker Ferran Jutglà has seven goals this season – he scored once for Barça in La Liga in 21/22.
Key player
It will be interesting to see who is the starter to finish the season – Ferran Torres has two more goals than Robert Lewandowski, but after 500 minutes more. Ferran’s 14 strikes come from a 12.4 xG, he averages 1.8 shots on target per 90 and he is also the more creative of the two. Three goals in his last two games mean he is in good form.
Prediction
Barcelona will take another step towards retaining their title. Barcelona 2-0 Celta Vigo.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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