Barca to get foretaste of Cup decider
Enrique’s team visit fellow finalists Alaves while leaders Real Madrid travel to Osasuna
>> MADRID: Barcelona have the chance to go top of La Liga for the first time since October in a Copa del Rey final dress rehearsal when they visit Alaves today.
Alaves edged out Celta Vigo on Wednesday to reach the final for the first time, whilst nine-man Barca had to survive a second leg onslaught from Atletico Madrid in midweek to make a fourth straight final.
However, Barca’s quest for a second treble in three seasons faces more severe tests this week as a visit to Mendizorroza is followed by a Valentine’s Day trip to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in the Champions League.
The champions trail Real Madrid by a point, who also have two games in hand, but, with Madrid not in action until later today at Osasuna, victory will take Barca top for a few hours at least for the first time since Oct 22.
Barca boss Luis Enrique has almost a fully-fit squad to choose from as Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta made their return from injury as second-half substitutes in midweek, whilst Neymar returns from suspension.
“We are delighted that Busquets and Iniesta have recovered,” said Barca midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
“Theyareveryimportantplayersand [having been out] they can give even moreofwhattheybringtotheteamnow.”
However, Enrique has followed a strict rotation policy throughout a demanding fixture schedule in January and February so the likes of Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto could be rested.
Madrid are in action for the first time in two weeks when they face rock bottom Osasuna, who are still without a home win all season.
The European champions’ clash at Celta Vigo last weekend was called off by wind damage caused to Celta’s Balaidos stadium.
Zinedine Zidane’s men now face having to play half their league season in just over three months.
However, the break has allowed Zidane to recover a series of important players from injury with the visit of Napoli in the Champions League also to come on Wednesday.
Full-backs Marcelo and Dani Carvajal have returned to training along with Luka Modric, James Rodriguez and Pepe leaving Gareth Bale as Madrid’s only injury absentee.
Toni Kroos will be missing, though, through suspension.
Despite languishing eight points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table, Osasuna have shown signs of improvement since Petar Vasiljevic took charge in January.
Osasuna have taken the lead in each of their last three games and captain Oier Sanjurjo believes they are on the verge of turning their season around.
“Wearestrong.Wehavebeguntoshow thatwearecompeting,”hesaid.“Whatwe want is for all that to come together for once and be rewarded in a win.”
Third-placed Sevilla need to spoil Jese Rodriguez’s home debut for Las Palmas tomorrow after joining his home town club on loan from PSG if they are to remain on Barca and Madrid’s coattails in the title race.
Atletico hold the upper hand in the battle for the fourth Champions League spot, but six sides are separated by just seven points.
Atletico aren’t in action till tomorrow when they host Celta Vigo at the Vicente Calderon.
FIXTURES
(all kick-offs Thai time)
Today
Real Betis v Valencia (7pm), Alaves v Barcelona (10.15pm), Athletic Bilbao v Deportivo la Coruna (12.30am, Sun), Osasuna v Real Madrid (2.45am)
Tomorrow
Villarreal v Malaga (6pm), Leganes v Sporting Gijon (10.15pm), Las Palmas v Sevilla (12.30am, Mon), Atletico Madrid v Celta Vigo (2.45am, Mon)
Monday Eibar v Granada (2.45am, Tue)