Barcelona showed that all is not lost and gave another account of their fighting spirit which more often than not goes under the radar as they claimed a hard-fought win against Atletico Madrid. Granted, Atletico haven’t been at their best this season with their form badly fluctuating but it was an extremely important and difficult match nonetheless. The win would have come as a boost during a time when the team and the manager has come under intense criticism from fans and critics alike. Under fire manager, Luis Enrique needs a big response from the player and while the Copa Del Rey is a realistic target this season, it might not be enough to save his job.
Real’s topsy-turvy match against Villarreal gave them a glimmer of hope but Los Blancos displayed excellent fighting spirit and rode on a bit of luck to reclaim the top spot. They are now a point ahead with a match in hand. Barcelona are in no way out of the contest but they need to get consistent and get their defence patched up.
TRIVIA
- Barcelona have scored 145 goals in their last 44 games in La Liga at Camp Nou, an average of 3.29 per game. The only side to keep a clean sheet at Camp Nou in that period was Malaga (twice).
- Sporting have only won once in 42 visits to Camp Nou in La Liga – 4-0 in February 1987. The Asturians have drawn four of those and lost 37 times in their other trips to Barcelona in the Primera Division.
- Luis Enrique was the last Sporting player to score against Barcelona in both La Liga meetings in one season (1990-91).
- Lionel Messi has earned more points for his team with his goals than any other La Liga player (12 points with 20 goals) this season.
TEAM NEWS & PREDICTED LINE-UPS
BARCELONA (4-3-3)
Aleix Vidal will miss the rest of the season and Barca are pretty short on options due to the unfortunate injury he suffered.
Javier Mascherano and Arda Turan are available again and the duo could both feature against Sporting.
Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Gomes, Rafinha; Neymar, Alcacer, Messi
SPORTING GIJON (4-2-3-1)
Gijon have already parted company with coach Abelardo and are now fighting to turn things around. Jorge Mere will miss out due to a suspension after he was sent off in the 1-1 draw at home to Celta Vigo at the weekend.
Cuellar; Douglas, Amorebieta, Castellano, Canella; Alvarez, Vesga; Carmona, Gomez, Burgui; Traore
BETTING ODDS
BARCELONA- 1/16
DRAW- 12/1
SPORTING GIJON- 33/1
TRIVIA COURTESY- OPTA
