"Estadio de la Ceramica sets the scene for a standout La Liga contest on Sunday afternoon as table-topping Barcelona travel to face third-placed Villarreal. La Blaugrana have once again set the pace in Spain's top flight, but Villarreal have also enjoyed an impressive campaign, sitting third and eight points adrift of the leaders with two games in hand. Something has to give this weekend, with both sides arriving in exceptional league form. Villarreal have won six consecutive La Liga matches, while Barcelona have gone one better with seven straight league victories heading into the winter break."
"Despite their domestic momentum, Villarreal have suffered setbacks in other competitions, losing 3-2 to Copenhagen in the Champions League before exiting the Copa del Rey with a 2-1 defeat to Racing Santander. Their most recent league fixture against Levante was postponed due to severe weather. Marcelino's side boast 11 wins from 15 league matches, conceding just 13 goals in the process, the best defensive record in La Liga."
"Barcelona arrive on the back of a 2-0 Copa del Rey victory over Guadalajara and are in formidable form across all competitions, Hansi Flick's side have built a four-point cushion at the top of the table, aided by 49 goals in 17 league matches, comfortably the best attacking record in the division. With the Spanish Super Cup and Catalan derby against Espanyol looming in early 2026, Barcelona will be keen to maintain their momentum before the winter pause."
Barcelona top La Liga with 49 goals in 17 matches and a four-point lead, enjoying seven consecutive league wins and strong form across competitions. Villarreal sit third, eight points behind with two games in hand, and have won six straight league matches while boasting La Liga's best defence, conceding 13 goals in 15 matches. Villarreal suffered defeats in the Champions League and Copa del Rey and had a league fixture postponed. Villarreal face significant injuries and absences due to AFCON. Barcelona seek to maintain momentum ahead of the Spanish Super Cup and the Catalan derby before the winter break.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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