Barcelona faces a decisive match that could practically decide the fate of second place in the Spanish League. The team led by Xavi Hernandez visits Almería, where the already relegated red and white team has not won this season.
After Girona lost 1-0 at home to Villarreal, a win for the Reds could put them four points clear of their Catalan rivals in the league table with two rounds to go, effectively guaranteeing second place, which is also a place. In next year's Super Cup it will also mean participating. Michel's team did not score any goals in the two matches following the victory over Barcelona, and Xavi had previously stressed the importance of today's match after the victory over Real Sociedad. Al-Sayed explained this in the press conference before the match, and stressed that the priority is to obtain the six points as quickly as possible, which means qualifying for second place with mathematical certainty. Xavi also said that there will be some rotation, reminding his players that Pepe Mel's team no longer has anything to lose after confirming their relegation to Getafe in the 33rd round.
In the match that will be held at Juegos del Mediterráneos Stadium, the new Power Horse Stadium, the Barcelona coach cannot rely on Gavira and Balde due to long-term injuries, and Araujo is also present, who suffers from minor problems. List of absentees, there is also Frenkie de Jong, who will be absent until the end of the season due to ankle problems. In addition to the three players mentioned, Ilkay Gundogan will also follow the events from home, after the German received his fifth yellow card against Real Sociedad.
Almeria, which may witness the return of Mexican centre-back Cesar Montes, will play without Ghanaian Idrisso Baba, who underwent an appendectomy, and Belgian Largy Ramazani, who will be absent due to suspension. In addition, Pepe Mel is not sure about risking playing with Aleksandar Radovanovic, who was injured in the match against Osasuna.
UD Almeria – Barcelona
Spanish League Round 36
Power Horse Stadium, Almeria
21.30, Game 2
Conducted by: Javier Alberola Rojas
Expected key teams:
I would like Almeria: Maximiano – Pubill, César Montes, Chumi, Centelles – Marcos Pena, Viera, Robertone – Baptistao, Choco Lozano, Embarba
F.C.B: Ter Stegen – Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Inigo Martínez, Hector Forte – Fermin, Christensen, Pedri – Rafinha, Lewandowski, Ferran Torres/Joao Félix
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