Barcelona are hurt, but they are still not down and out from defending their La Liga title this season. After a string of poor results that saw them lose against Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and get ousted from the UEFA Champions League this season, the Catalan giants gave a display of their fight back as they recorded a 8-0 win over Deportivo la Coruna in their previous Spanish league fixture.
Barca, currently on level with Atletico Madrid at 79 points in the table, take on Sporting Gijon in their 35th La Liga match this season on Saturday. The match takes place at the Camp Nou.
After giving away a nine point lead in the table, Luis Enrique has urged his army to get the winning momentum back and win all the remaining league games this season, in an effort to defend the La Liga title for yet another year. "Of course we have let a big lead slip but we are still set to win all four remaining matches," the Barcelona coach told BBC ahead of the game.
"To attack, we need the help of the whole team, including the goalkeeper and the defenders. The merit for everything good and for everything bad comes down to the whole team."
Sporting Gijon, currently battling to get out of the relegation zone, know the task they are in for at Camp Nou. The pressure is definitely on the shoulders of the away side, but having said that, Sporting are not willing to bow down under the pressure.
"We're going to give our everything. I'm very confident that my players are going to make a great game," Sporting coach Abelardo Fernandez told El Desmarque. "Barcelona know that if they have to win, they have to beat us.
"This is a beautiful challenge for us. To win, although it is difficult today, would be a giant step," the former Barcelona defender added.
First leg result: Sporting Gijon 1-3 Barcelona.
Where to watch live
Barcelona vs Sporting Gijon is scheduled to kick-off on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. GMT (12 a.m. IST, 2:30 p.m. ET).
In India, viewers can catch the game on Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, AXN and AXN HD. Online streaming will be available on SonyLiv.
In the US, viewers can catch the game on beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Espanol and Fubo TV. Online streaming will be available on beIN Sports Connect.
In Spain, viewers can catch the game on Canal+ Partidazo and Abono Futbol 1. Online streaming will be available on Movistar TV.
In the UK and Ireland, viewers can catch the game on Sky Sports 1/HD UK and Now TV UK. Online streaming will be available on Sky Go UK. Radio commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Radio Barca will also have live commentary of the game, while the live scores will be available on the official Twitter handle of FC Barcelona.