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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
1Real Madrid21154250203049
2Atletico MadridAtletico21136235142145
3Barcelona21133559243542
4Athletic Bilbao21117331181340
5Villarreal219753932734
6Mallorca219391926-730
7Rayo Vallecano217862524129
8GironaGirona218492929028
9Real Sociedad218491717028
10Real BetisBetis217772326-328
11Osasuna216962530-527
12Sevilla217682430-627
13Celta Vigo2174103033-325
14Getafe215881717023
15Las PalmasLas Palmas2165102634-823
16Leganes215881929-1023
17AlavesAlaves2156102533-821
18Espanyol2155112033-1320
19Valencia2137112036-1616
20Real ValladolidValladolid2143141442-2815


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