Revamped Barcelona defence in match for a return to first place

Real Madrid spent the night as leaders of La Liga after their 2–0 win over Villarreal. However, Barcelona still has the final word: in the 21st round this week, they will host Real Oviedo at 18:15.

Although this match is important for the Catalans due to the league standings, their next Wednesday clash with Copenhagen in the 8th round of the Champions League is even more crucial, as it will determine whether they can reach the top 8 and qualify directly for the round of 16.

Barcelona are ninth, level on points with PSG, Newcastle, and Chelsea, but with an inferior goal difference, so they must beat the Danes to avoid a playoff for the round of 16. Coach Hans-Dieter Flick will keep that match in mind when selecting his starting 11 for the Oviedo game.

According to Mundo Deportivo, we could see centre-back Ronald Araujo on the pitch tonight for the first time in a while. He went on medical leave in mid-November for personal reasons. Against Real Sociedad (1–2) a week ago, he was on the bench, so it may be time for him to play — likely coming on as a substitute.

Winter signing Joao Cancelo should also get slightly more minutes; he debuted last round, playing 28 minutes. The Portuguese full-back cannot play in the Champions League until the knockout phase, so Flick doesn’t need to save him for Copenhagen.

A similar situation applies to Frenkie de Jong, who has accumulated too many yellow cards in the elite competition and is suspended for the 8th round match. He is therefore expected to start against the La Liga basement team to strengthen the midfield, already weakened by Pedri’s injury.

The Barcelona attack is expected to be at full power, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford starting. In their first meeting this season, Barca struggled in Oviedo, even trailing at halftime, before Lewandowski came off the bench to turn the game around 3–1. Flick has clearly remembered that match, so he will not underestimate the opponent this time.

As for Oviedo, they arrive in Barcelona on a 14-match winless streak, their last victory dating back to September 30 against Valencia at Mestalla.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 21

Friday

Levante - Elche 3-2 (0-1)

/Martinez 50, De la Fuente 68, Matturro 90+6 - Rodriguez 11, Boayar 90+2/

Saturday

Rayo Vallecano - Osasuna 1-3 (0-1)

/Ismael Ciss 59 - Budimir 29, Vertrouwd 90+1 og, Osambela 90+4/

Valencia - Espanyol 3-2 (1-0)

/Duro 15, Comert 59, Ramazani 90+4 pen - Terrats 54, Copete 79 og/

Sevilla - Ath. Bilbao 2-1 (1-1)

/Fernandez 42, Adams 56 pen - Navarro 40/

Villarreal - Real Madrid 0-2 (0-0)

/Mbappe 47, 90+2 pen/

Sunday

16.00: (1.32) Atl.Madrid (5.10) Mallorca (10.0)

18.15: (1.12) Barcelona (12.0) Oviedo (19.0)

20.30: (2.05) Sociedad (3.50) Celta (3.90)

23.00: (2.90) Alaves (3.15) Betis (2.55)

Monday

23.00: (2.10) Girona (3.15) Getafe (3.90)

***odds are subject to change***