Sport|FootballBarcelona vs Villarreal: La Liga – preview, team news, start, lineupsWin would provisionally take Barcelona four points ahead of Real Madrid, who host Getafe on Monday night.
## Sports Update: Barcelona vs Villarreal
Sports Update: Barcelona vs Villarreal
When: Saturday, Feb 28, 2026, at 4:15 PM (15:15 GMT)
Follow: Coverage begins on Al Jazeera Sport from 12:30 GMT with live text commentary.
Barcelona aims to solidify their lead in La Liga as they host Villarreal at Camp Nou. A victory would extend their lead over Real Madrid, who play Getafe on Monday.
Barcelona recently recovered from two consecutive losses by securing a win against Levante, while Villarreal enters the match with confidence after defeating Valencia.
Villarreal has demonstrated their capability in away games, having won their last two visits to Barcelona.
Concerns surround the current form of Barcelona strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Lewandowski has experienced a decline in performance, scoring five goals in his last 18 matches. Torres, despite a strong start, has only three goals in his last 15 appearances.
Barcelona's scoring this season has been spread across the team, with no individual player scoring more than 12 goals.
When: Saturday, Feb 28, 2026, at 4:15 PM (15:15 GMT) Follow: Coverage begins on Al Jazeera Sport from 12:30 GMT with live text commentary.
Coach Hansi Flick might consider using Marcus Rashford as a striker, as Rashford has been impactful in assisting and scoring this season.
Villarreal's defender Santiago Mourino expressed the team's intention to exploit Barcelona's high defensive line. Villarreal is known for their strength in open play and on counterattacks.
In 57 encounters between the teams, Barcelona has won 35 matches, while Villarreal has secured 12 victories, with 10 matches ending in draws.
In December 2025, Barcelona defeated Villarreal 2-0 with goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong is out for six weeks due to a hamstring injury, and defender Andreas Christensen is also sidelined with a similar issue. Gerard Martin is suspended.
Gavi has returned to training but is not expected to play until March.
Predicted Starting XI: Joan Garcia (goalkeeper); Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Injuries rule out Pau Cabanes, Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, and Willy Kambwala. Gerard Moreno and Pape Gueye will undergo late fitness tests.
Possible Starting XI: Luiz Junior (goalkeeper); Mourino, Navarro, Veiga, Pedraza; Pepe, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Perez
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.