Without a doubt, Barcelona will be confident coming into the game against Athletic Bilbao. Despite the setbacks, the Catalan giants have a lot to look forward to in this clash. A game that could boost La Blaugrana’s campaign significantly, Xavi will need to have his men ready for this one.
Prior to this upcoming fixture for Barcelona, some good news arrives from Sevilla. In a clash between the home side and Real Madrid, there was no definitive winner. A 1-1 stalemate was all that the game could amount to, giving away one point to each side.
Regardless, this result was a great one nonetheless for FC Barcelona. With Madrid now sitting at first with 25 points, Barcelona are just 4 points behind. Hence, as SPORT highlights, Barcelona can not afford to slip up against Athletic Bilbao.
Regardless of the injuries within the side, Barcelona are expected to ensure a victory. Scheduled to take place at the Montjuic Stadium, Barcelona will want to take away all three points from this game in front of the home fans.
This is helped by the fact that La Blaugrana have thus far been faultless at home this season, winning five out of five matches played officially this season.
The game against Bilbao will ensure that Barça remains hot on the trails of Los Blancos. According to SPORT, this clash now holds even more importance than it would have in the scenario that Real Madrid had triumphed over Sevilla.
Following this match against Bilbao, Barcelona has two more home games in a row. The clashes against Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid will both be crucial.
The Ukrainian side will offer Barça a chance to almost confirm qualification to the UEFA Champions League round of 16, while Real Madrid will offer up a chance to completely overcome and potentially even overtake the point difference between the two sides.
