PREVIEW | Girona v FC Barcelona

Assuming that the Liga title is now out of reach, second place is the realistic target for FC Barcelona now, and as things stand that is a head-to-head battle with fellow Catalan outfit Girona. And it's not just about bragging rights, because the runners-up slot would also secure the last remaining slot at the Spanish Super Cup next season.

Barça are currently in the driving seat, with 73 points compared to Girona's 71, and if they can win on Saturday, as they have done on all three previous visits to Montilivi (without even conceding a goal) then the gap would open up to a highly promising five points with just four games to play.

But comparisons to games with Girona in seasons gone by are largely an irrelevance. In 2023/24, the red-and-whites have been punching well, well above their weight and their home form, with just one defeat, has been incredible. Liga leaders as late as February, their form has dropped a little of late, but they are still almost certain to make the Champions League for the first time and will also fancy becoming the first Catalan team to finish higher than Barça for sixty years.

And they were very impressive indeed when the teams met at the Estadi Olimpic earlier this season, winning 4-2 to claim their first ever victory in the 'new' Catalan derby.

So, it's a tough challenge indeed for Barça, who bounced back from a miserable week in which they crashed out of the Champions League and also lost the Clásico by coming from behind to beat Valencia 4-2 on Monday thanks to a second half hat-trick from Robert Lewandowski.

But with just one defeat on the road all season, Barça have every reason to believe they can get the job done in the Saturday 6.30pm CEST kick-off and in doing so, keep those tickets to Saudi Arabia next January safe.

As usual, you will find all the international broadcasters and kick-off times in our special guide.

Team news

Barça are without long-term absentees Gavi and Alejandro Balde, while Frenkie de Jong is also unlikely to play again this season after injuring his ankle against Real Madrid.

Girona have more to worry about in the fitness department. Juanpe, Ricard Artero and Joel Roca are all certain to miss out, while there are also questions marks concerning Borja García and Cristhian Stuani, who both have muscle problems.

Xavi says

"It’s a vital game for us. Girona’s confidence is in the cloud and they should be congratulated. They’re playing extraordinary football, it’s Champions League level. It won’t be at all easy for us.”

“Catalan football is honoured to have Girona in the Champions League, and to have been a candidate to win the league title.”

“There’s no rivalry with Míchel, but we do want to avenge defeat in the first game. We should have done better but they were more clinical at several moments, and we didn’t defend well … And now they’re playing at home they won’t be under the same kind of pressure.”

“Eric García had to go because of financial fair play. I didn’t want him to leave and the idea is for him to return.”