FC Barcelona are aiming for their third win in the third game under new coach Quique Setien on Saturday. However, the hurdle for the Spanish football champions is high – the home strong table seventh Valencia, against whom the Catalans have not achieved a league away win since 2016, is waiting in the Mestalla.
In the first match with Setien on the bench, there was a laborious home 1-0 against Granada a week ago. On Wednesday there was a disappointing appearance at the third division club Ibiza in the Cup, which was only beaten by a last minute goal by Antoine Griezmann with 2-1. “I didn’t like what I saw there,” Setien admitted.
After all, Ernesto Valverde’s successor can count on Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who were spared against Ibiza. However, the injured offensive forces Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele are missing.
Barcelona lead the table thanks to the better goal difference ahead of the equal points arch rival Real Madrid, who will face the 15th Real Valladolid on Sunday away. Atletico Madrid, third in the table, eight points behind the top duo, will also receive the penultimate Leganes on Sunday.
(APA)
Image: Getty Images
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