Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral expressed his hope that FC Barcelona would prioritize their upcoming Copa del Rey return leg against Atlético Madrid over their LaLiga clash this weekend.
However, Marcelino doubts that Barcelona will allow such distraction, noting that the team is accustomed to playing with maximum focus every few days and aims to win every fixture. For Barça, the Copa presents a pathway to the final, yet they remain committed to maintaining results in the league.
Marcelino highlighted his own team’s ambition, as Villarreal has amassed 51 points so far—an impressive tally representing nearly 70% of possible points. He added that despite the challenge, Villarreal will not back down at the new, though not yet fully finished, Spotify Camp Nou stadium.
He also remarked on Barcelona’s tactical evolution, emphasizing their high pressing and speed which create spaces while forcing opponents to operate within tight zones, demanding intense defensive effort. Villarreal must also avoid dubious fouls and penalties, as they have suffered from these decisions previously this season.
Marcelino confirmed injury absences for key players Gerard Moreno, Willy Kambwala, and Logan Costa, whose return remains uncertain.
This match represents a crucial test for Villarreal’s ambitions in the upper standings, with Barcelona’s focus divided between competitions adding an extra layer of intrigue.
