The pressure will be all on Villarreal’s shoulders on the night at the Camp Nou that officially closes La Liga 2021-22. Yes, because Barcelona are now sure of second place behind the unreachable Real Madrid, a position they would retain even in the event of a defeat to Unai Emery’s Yellow Submarine, who will have to keep at least seventh place to avoid being left out of the picture.
And that would be a real shame after a sensational Champions League ride that saw the Yellow Submarine go all the way to a historic semi-final, eliminating the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich. Since the double-header against Liverpool, Pau Torres and his team-mates have dropped a little, posting mixed results – a draw, a win and a defeat – but above all losing the direct clash with Real Sociedad (1-2), which definitively ousted Villarreal from the Europa League race. The objective is now the Conference, but there is no reason for complacency, as Athletic Bilbao are only a length away and, in the event of a success against Sevilla, could overtake them.
The Basques would have the upper hand even if the two teams were to finish level on points due to the advantage in direct confrontations. Emery therefore has no choice: to beat Barça at home despite probably having to do without two important pawns such as Gerard Moreno and Danjuma. On the other hand, Xavi and his blaugrana have nothing more to ask from this championship, already focused on next season.
Xavi ©️LaPresse
The Prediction
The feeling is that Villarreal can leave Camp Nou with at least a point in their pocket, but it might not be enough to go into the Conference League: much will depend on the result of Sevilla v Athletic Bilbao. In any case, it promises to be an eventful match, with at least one goal on each side.
Barcelona v Villarreal matchday squad
BARCELONA (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Dani Alves, Araujo, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Gavi, Busquets, F. de Jong; Dembelé, Aubameyang, Ferran Torres.
VILLARREAL (4-4-2): Rulli; Gaspar, Albiol, Pau Torres, Estupinan; Chukwueze, Capoue, Parejo, Coquelin; Lo Celso, Dia.
