Previews
SUN 01.02.2015
Matchday 21 of the Liga BBVA offers up an attractive encounter as FC Barcelona host a Villarreal CF outfit on a firmly upward trajectory. Fresh from making history in the Copa del Rey, the visitors want to maintain that form in the league. Los azulgranas, who will be Villarreal’s opponents in the cup semi-finals, are aiming to stay tight on the heels of leaders Real Madrid CF to remain in the title hunt.
Team news
Barcelona will be without the long-term injury absentees Thomas Vermaelen and Douglas Pereira. For the visitors, new signing Erik Bailly is unavailable to make his debut as he is on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Bojan Jokić remains on the sidelines through injury.
Views from the dugout
Coach Luis Enrique admitted that his players are all out to end the run of 18 matches without defeat that Villarreal are on. “Their spectacular form confirms what can be seen when you look at a Marcelino team. We know that, if we don’t put pressure on them, they’ll make life difficult for us.” His opposite number also assessed the clash: “A match against Barça requires a great deal of cutting edge in attack, but we also have to defend very well.”
© LALIGA - 2015