Barcelona is set to host Celta Vigo in a pivotal LaLiga match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday at 4:15 PM local time (14:15 GMT). As the current leaders of LaLiga, Barcelona aims to extend its lead to seven points, while its closest rival, Real Madrid, will face Athletic Club the following day.
Despite their advantageous position in the league, Barcelona has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of their matches. Coach Hansi Flick has voiced concerns regarding what he termed a “joke” schedule, indicating that the current arrangement is not conducive to player wellbeing and performance. A notable instance has seen the timing of their match against Real Valladolid shifted to Saturday evening, limiting their preparation time significantly before their crucial Champions League semifinal return leg against Inter Milan scheduled for May 6.
Flick articulated his frustration during a recent press conference, highlighting the lack of consideration for clubs competing in multiple tournaments. He emphasized that other leagues, like the Bundesliga and Premier League, tend to prioritize the needs of clubs in international competitions, contrasting that with the current handling of Spanish football.
Barcelona’s position in LaLiga is further bolstered by their recent victory in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, where they triumphed over their longstanding rivals, Real Madrid, with a score of 5-2. This victory is a testament to Barcelona’s competitive edge and its ability to thrive on international stages.
Going into this match, Barcelona seeks to regroup after a recent setback, having experienced a 3-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals. Nonetheless, they advanced to the semifinals with an aggregate score of 5-3.
As for Celta Vigo, they come into this encounter positioned seventh in LaLiga and are keen on securing European football for next season. Under the leadership of their 37-year-old coach, Claudio Giraldez, Celta has shown marked improvement, having lifted the club from the lower half of the table in recent seasons to a challenging seventh place. Flick has acknowledged Giraldez’s commendable work, praising Celta’s dynamic playing style and their determination to push for success in the league.
Historically, Barcelona has a favorable head-to-head record against Celta, winning 28 out of their previous 57 matches, while Celta has secured victories in 13 encounters. Following a resilient run, Barcelona is currently unbeaten in their last three matchups with Celta, reinforcing their stature as formidable competitors.
As both teams prepare for the clash, the excitement surrounding this matchup highlights not only Barcelona’s aspirations within LaLiga but also Celta Vigo’s quest for European prominence.
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