Barcelona news: Xavi's side travel to Valencia aiming to get back to winning ways

Barcelona will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they travel to Valencia in the La Liga fixture at Mestalla on Sunday. The Catalan club is currently placed fourth in the league standings, level on points with fifth placed Atletico Madrid, who have played a game more. Meanwhile Valencia sit at the 12th spot, eight points off the top six heading into the next set of fixtures. 

Also read: Juventus vs Torino: Bianconeri held to a 1-1 draw in the Turin derby

⏰? When and where to watch #ValenciaBarça

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 19, 2022

Valencia looked capable of challenging for a European spot this season in the later stages of 2021, but their performances and results have not been so great in 2022 and as of now, they are way below the top six. 

However, Jose Bordalas’ side have been pretty good in the Copa de Rey, having reached the semi-finals, drawing 1-1 against Athletico Bilbao in the first leg of the least-4 encounter on February 10, but they are without a win in the league since December 20.

Lo Che have picked up just two points from their last six games and are coming into the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to struggling Alaves on February 13. They have managed to collect 30 points from their 24 league games so far. 

On the other hand, Barcelona are on the path of revival under head coach Xavi, and with the arrival of new recruits in the January transfer window, the Catalan club looks much more confident in the attacking department. 

The arrival of Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Adama Traore has added more energy, pace and physicality to Barcelona’s forward line. Blaugrana are just four points behind third-placed Real Betis with a game in hand, while they have played a match fewer than Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile Barca are 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid heading into the next set of games.

Barcelona’s front-three are slowly finding their rhythm

Xavi’s side were in Europa League action on Thursday, playing out a 1-1 draw with Napoli in the first leg of their knockout tie at Camp Nou. Ferran Torres scored from the Penalty spot to secure a draw against the Serie A side. 

The front three of Barca- Torres, Aubameyang and Traore- are slowly finding their rhythm. Although Torres wasn’t at his best against Napoli, missing several good chances, the Spanish forward has the confidence of this boss. 

Traore’s inclusion gives Barca electric pace and supreme physicality down the right flank while Aubameyang is a proven goal-scorer who is experienced and is very quick on his feet. Midfielder Sergio Busquets, who was named on the bench against Napoli, could return to the starting lineup alongside Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.