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Barcelona’s perfect home record will be put under pressure when Villarreal travel to Camp Nou in a crucial La Liga fixture.
Hansi Flick’s side have won every league match at home this season, scoring at an average of three goals per game.
The numbers show their dominance, but Villarreal head coach Marcelino is not arriving in Catalonia defeated before kick-off.
The manager still remembers the first-leg meeting at La Ceramica, a game that left his side frustrated. Reflecting on that encounter, he made it clear that officiating decisions are still fresh in his mind.
“We will try not to give away dubious penalties.”
Marcelino was referring to the controversial penalty conceded and the sending off of Renato Veiga, incidents he believes tilted the match unfairly. Explaining his frustration, he said:
“We played with 10 men and conceded a dubious penalty. There have been fouls like that, and no one has been sent off.”
Challenges of facing Barcelona
Despite those grievances, Villarreal travel to Barcelona with belief. Marcelino acknowledged the challenge ahead but insisted the game is far from decided.
“They have won 12 out of 12 games at home. They score an average of three goals. We are going there with the hope of winning and reversing their favorable results.
“It’s one game. 90 minutes and anything can happen. If we play at our best, we’ll have a chance of winning.
Barcelona will host Villarreal this weekend. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“You also need luck to beat the big teams and this season we haven’t had it. There have been situations that haven’t gone our way.
“They beat us 0-2, but we played at a high level. We want to put forward the same arguments, but with more luck.”
Understanding Barcelona
Tactically, Marcelino understands the level required. He said that Barcelona’s high tempo and aggressive pressing demand precision in both penalty areas.
“We’ll have more than one chance if we play at our best. But we have to be decisive in the penalty areas, and we weren’t in the first leg.
“We have to defend very well in our own half and know how to play those quick moves. The opponent gives you options.
“Barcelona is dominant, plays at a great pace, and the statistics are there. We have a lot to gain and little to lose. And from that perspective, we must face it.”
Lastly, he analysed Barcelona’s system, highlighting the risks and opportunities it creates.
“Barcelona’s style of play leads to a back-and-forth game. If you attack the spaces and don’t finish, the ball comes back to you. They have fast and accurate players.
“They have possession and finishing. We will adapt to the opponent and be decisive in the areas.
“They didn’t create too many chances. If we can do that again, we’ll be closer to victory,” he concluded.
Source: AS