Barcelona with an opportunity to jump to second against Atletico Madrid
After beating Napoli midweek in the Champions League and finding out their opponent is going to be in the quarterfinals, PSG, Barcelona turn their attention back to LaLiga.
With Girona losing 1-0 to Getafe, the Catalan side have an opportunity to overtake them for second place should they pick in their next match.
Easier said than done as Barcelona's next opponent is Atletico Madrid. Not only is it against Los Colchoneros, it's at the Metropolitano where they've yet to lose this season. In 14 games, they've won 13 and drawn one.
"The game is against a Champions League rival and they showed that the other day, a really tough away game and I think both sides are in good form," said Xavi Hernandez. "I am sure it will be a great game and let's hope we can pick up three points although I don't think they have lost at home in the league since we won there last season."
Last season, Barcelona won there 1-0 courtesy of an Ousmane Dembele goal.
This season, Barcelona won the fixture at the Montjuic thanks to a goal from Joao Felix. It's an important game for the Portuguese forward who has been in and out of the starting line-up. Despite a decent start to his loan spell, he's lost prominence as his performance on the pitch have waned.
Against his former side, not early did he score the winner, he had probably his best game in a Barcelona jersey. While it's by no means guaranteed he'll start. Xavi may do so, betting on the hope he'll be extra motivated.
Barcelona will play with the motivation knowing they can overtake Girona in the standings but Atletico Madrid also have something to play for
With Athletic Bilbao winning, the Basque club now sits in fourth place. Atletico Madrid are one point behind them and they need to finish in the top four if they want to qualify for next season's Champions League.
In short, it's an important game for both sides.
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In Barcelona's case, they've been presented with a handful of opportunites to take advantage of points dropped by Real Madrid and Girona this season but have failed to do so. There won't be too many more as the season is winding down. Sooner or later they'll need to take advantage or risk finishing third, thus missing out on the Spanish Super Cup, which would a dent for their budget next season.