Villarreal defender circles Barcelona's weak spots: 'We can do well if we...' | Barca Universal

"We want to beat Barcelona and close the gap on them. It's a difficult game. They've won all their home games. Let's see if we can end their winning streak. We have to play as equals. We're good on the counterattack and we had chances in the first leg. They're a brave team that leaves spaces and we have to take advantage of those chances."

"We are one of the best teams in La Liga in open play and on the counterattack. If we are accurate, we can do well. We know that Barcelona have great players and it will be difficult, but if we play the game we have to play and are accurate, we can compete in the match."

Santiago Mourino, Villarreal's centre-back leading La Liga in ball recoveries and defensive duels won, expresses confidence ahead of the team's visit to Barcelona. Despite trailing by ten points, Villarreal aims to end Barcelona's home winning streak by executing their tactical plan. Mourino identifies Barcelona's aggressive defensive line under Hansi Flick as creating transition spaces that Villarreal can exploit through counterattacks. The defender emphasizes the importance of precision in front of goal and highlights Villarreal's strength in open play. He stresses that if his team plays their game accurately, they can compete effectively. Beyond this match, Mourino indicates Villarreal's broader objective is moving away from fifth place and returning to the Champions League.

Read at Barca Universal