We are set for interesting times in the closing stages of the La Liga 2016-17 and the eventual title winners absolutely hard to predict. The race is on between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at the highest level possible!
While FC Barcelona currently top the table with three league matches remaining this season, Real Madrid have four games more to play for. Both teams are on 81 points, but Barca edge over Real in the table owing to a superior goal difference record.
With nothing but a win being their sole aim, Luis Enrique's Barca army hope to give their best against a tough challenge from Villarreal on Saturdau May 6. Real Madrid, meanwhile, take on Granada in the other big match of the day.
Defeat for either side at this stage of the competition means an instant death, in short.
Barcelona might be playing at home but Villarreal, currently fifth in the table, are in a hot form with three wins on the trot; making things utterly difficult for Lionel Messi and Co.
Good news for Enrique is that the likes of Andres Iniesta, Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, as well as defender Gerard Pique, are 100% fit to play in the match.
Three key players -- midfielder Bruno Soriano, defender Victor Ruiz and goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo -- sit out of the match and that gives Barca the opportunity to create all possible attack throughout the 90 minutes and pressurise Villarreal in every way possible.
Expected starting XI
Barcelona: ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Villarreal: Andres; Rukavina, Musacchio, Alvaro, Costa; dos Santos, Trigueros; Soriano, Samu; Bakambu, Sansone
Match schedule
- Date: May 6
- Time: 10 pm IST (4:30 pm GMT)
- Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona
Where to watch live
Country | TV channel(s) | Live stream |
INDIA | Ten 1/HD | Sony Liv |
UK | Sky Sports 5/HD, Now TV | Sky Go |
USA | beIN Sports, fubo TV | beIN Sports Connect |
SPAIN | beIN La Liga | beIN Sports Connect Espana |
ARGENTINA | ESPN2 | ESPN Play |
Radio commentary: Radio Barca
P.S. Granada vs Real Madrid is scheduled for a 12:15 am IST [Sunday] start.