Two clubs in the top four of the Spanish Liga table will do battle today in a league match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao. The first-division clash scheduled for 3 p.m. ET will be held at the Nou Camp in Barcelona and can be live streamed here free.
Cristiano Ronaldo Comforts Lionel Messi after Copa del Rey Final?
FC Barcelona enter today's match after virtually being eliminated from three competitions—the Copa del Rey, Spanish Liga and UEFA Champions League—in one week. That, however, won't keep manager Tata Martino from promising his side will fight until the bitter end (h/t to the club's official website). "We have suffered three tough blows in a few days, but it is our duty to keep fighting until the end," Martino said.
"It is hard to keep our spirits up because we are not used to things like this" he added. "Nobody should think that this is something easy to get over. It is up to us to get the fans feeling enthusiastic about our football again and sticking with the team."
"Right now we just have to keep working because we still have a chance. My strength and energy have to be focused on this season and no further."
Wil Barcelona return to their winning ways when Athletic Bilbao visit the Nou Camp this afternoon? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Barcelona's Lionel Messi has been the focus of increased scrutiny in recent weeks. Despite his 25 goals and 10 assists in 24 appearances this season, the 26-year-old has been accused of saving his performances for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. His 67 touches were fewer than any other Barcelona attacking player in the Copa del Rey final. He'll look to return to form at home this afternoon.
Barcelona's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Pinto; Adriano, Mascherano, Bartra, Alves; Iniesta, Song, Xavi; Fábregas, Messi, Sánchez
Athletic Bilbao's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Iraizoz; Balenziaga, José, Laporte, Iraola; Iturraspe, Morán; Muniain, Ander, Susaeta; Aduriz
Spanish League Table
| Rnk | Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | +/- | Pts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlético Madrid | 34 | 27 | 4 | 3 | 74 | 22 | 52 | 85 | |||
| 2 | Real Madrid | 33 | 25 | 4 | 4 | 94 | 32 | 62 | 79 | |||
| 3 | FC Barcelona | 33 | 25 | 3 | 5 | 92 | 27 | 65 | 78 | |||
| 4 | Athletic Club | 33 | 18 | 8 | 7 | 58 | 35 | 23 | 62 | |||
| 5 | Sevilla FC | 33 | 16 | 8 | 9 | 61 | 47 | 14 | 56 | |||
| 6 | Real Sociedad | 34 | 15 | 9 | 10 | 58 | 51 | 7 | 54 | |||
| 7 | Villarreal CF | 33 | 15 | 7 | 11 | 52 | 38 | 14 | 52 | |||
| 8 | Valencia CF | 34 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 47 | 47 | 0 | 45 | |||
| 9 | Levante UD | 34 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 30 | 41 | -11 | 41 | |||
| 10 | RCD Espanyol | 34 | 11 | 8 | 15 | 38 | 44 | -6 | 41 | |||
| 11 | Celta de Vigo | 34 | 11 | 7 | 16 | 40 | 51 | -11 | 40 | |||
| 12 | Málaga CF | 33 | 10 | 8 | 15 | 35 | 43 | -8 | 38 | |||
| 13 | Granada CF | 33 | 11 | 4 | 18 | 30 | 46 | -16 | 37 | |||
| 14 | Rayo Vallecano | 33 | 11 | 4 | 18 | 39 | 70 | -31 | 37 | |||
| 15 | Osasuna | 34 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 29 | 54 | -25 | 35 | |||
| 16 | Elche CF | 34 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 27 | 46 | -19 | 35 | |||
| 17 | Real Valladolid | 33 | 6 | 14 | 13 | 32 | 50 | -18 | 32 | |||
| 18 | Getafe CF | 34 | 8 | 8 | 18 | 29 | 51 | -22 | 32 | |||
| 19 | UD Almería | 34 | 8 | 6 | 20 | 36 | 68 | -32 | 30 | |||
| 20 | Real Betis | 33 | 5 | 7 | 21 | 28 | 66 | -38 | 22 |
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