(Football news) Barcelona’s penultimate La Liga road trip will take them to Real Valladolid at the José Zorrilla Stadium on Tuesday night, following a home loss to Real Sociedad and the trophy presentation in front of the Camp Nou crowd. The Spanish champions are continuing their end-of-season schedule with this match.

After a week of festivities, the lacklustre performance and loss against a Sociedad team that was hungry and desperate was largely expected, but Barça must fall into the trap of believing that the remaining three league games on their schedule are meaningless.

It’s time for them to demonstrate their love of rivalry and their drive to triumph in every game now that they have already celebrated their victory in the most ardent way possible. Many players may view this as their best opportunity to showcase their abilities because a standard has been set and must be upheld.

Due to the short turnaround from the Sociedad game, Xavi Hernández is expected to make significant changes to his usual starting lineup. As a result, several fringe players will get the uncommon opportunity to play from the start and stake a claim that they should get a lot more playing time next season. Three starters are already out and up to six others are likely to be rested.

However, the players who are anticipated to start on Tuesday don’t have the luxury of not caring. The manager had his strongest squad available over the weekend, and those players may be excused for not giving 100% after playing heavy minutes in a difficult season.

For many of them, this will serve as a test, and they must demonstrate that in addition to having the necessary talent, they also truly care about winning, even if it means losing the three points on the line. They need to be at their most alert and prepared to match the ferocity of a Valladolid team that is presently battling for its life in the top division while also being in the relegation zone. Barça must be aware that they will face a team willing to shed blood for the purpose since a victory over the champions would not only benefit them in the standings but also be a huge boost in their fight for survival.

Barça is capable of winning with even a depleted team, but they cannot count on their talent to carry the day. To get all three points, they must be prepared for combat and demonstrate that they are just as hungry as Valladolid.

Squad Updates

Barcelona : Ronald Araujo, Pedri, Jules Kounde (out)

Real Valladolid : Martin Hongla (out), Jawad El Yamiq, Luis Pérez, Selim Amallah, Anuar (doubt)

Predicted Playing Xl

Barcelona : Peña; Roberto, Eric, Alonso, Alba; Gavi, Kessie, Torre; Ferran, Lewandowski, Fati 

Real Valladolid : Masip; Fresneda, Fernández, Sánchez, El Yamiq, Olaza; Aguado, Monchu, Pérez; Larin, Plata

Prediction

Real Valladolid 1 – Barcelona 2

Also read: Matchday 36 of La Liga Santander a week with crucial games during the middle