Match not being played in Miami after all
Barcelona aim to secure their eighth consecutive La Liga win against a depleted but dangerous Villarreal side as they close out a successful 2025 at the top of the table.
League leaders Barcelona visit third-placed Villarreal today for the final La Liga fixture of 2025, a match originally slated for Miami before fierce opposition led to its cancellation.
Hansi Flick’s side enters the Estadio de la Cerámica in formidable domestic form, seeking an eighth consecutive league victory to extend their four-point lead over Real Madrid.
Despite a midweek Copa del Rey win, Flick faces tactical challenges following a calf injury to midfield star Pedri.
Villarreal, though sitting eight points behind the Catalans with two games in hand, remain a potent threat to the title race.
However, manager Marcelino is contending with a severe injury crisis, missing his entire starting backline including Juan Foyth and Willy Kambwala.
The “Yellow Submarine” also enters this blockbuster clash reeling from a painful Copa del Rey exit, though they boast the division’s best defensive record and have won six straight league matches.
Tactical focus shifts to the attacking battle, where Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and Raphinha lead the league in goal involvements for 2025.
Villarreal’s Ayoze Pérez remains the primary threat for the hosts, having scored in his last two league matches against the Blaugrana.
As Flick reflected on his successful debut year, he noted the significance of the encounter: “A year at Barcelona is a long time,” he remarked, emphasizing the pressure to maintain momentum.