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Attendance: 73,003
Barcelona logo
La Liga | Gameweek 14
Dec 2, 2018 at 5.30pm UK
 
Villarreal logo

2-0

Pique (36'), Alena (87')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Ernesto Valverde claims Villarreal clash is 'fundamental' to Barcelona

Ernesto Valverde claims Villarreal clash is 'fundamental' to Barcelona
© Reuters
Barca are currently second in the table, one point behind leaders Sevilla.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde said the upcoming match against Villarreal at the Nou Camp is "fundamental" as his side look to retake top spot in LaLiga.

Barcelona, who are without a league win in two games, are currently second in the table, one point behind leaders Sevilla, despite having scored more goals and lost fewer games than the top-placed team.

Valverde told the club's website: "We expect Villarreal to put pressure on us. They will battle for possession. They will want to leave Camp Nou with some points. This match is fundamental for us."

He added: "Last season they created problems for us in circulating the ball, and now they have forwards who could complicate things in transition."

In terms of injuries, the boss gave little away on the current situation of Arthur Melo, saying: "If he's on the squad list he's there to play, otherwise he won't be there.

"We think we'll continue getting players back. The injuries we're having is something that happens throughout a season and which we have to overcome."

Barcelona's opponents on Saturday are currently battling relegation, sitting just one place above the bottom three, and with only three more points than the sides in the relegation places.

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Pablo Fornals in action for Villarreal in the Europa League on October 25, 2018
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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