Barcelona host Villarreal at Camp Nou on Saturday, seeking to consolidate their lead at the top of La Liga, though concerns remain over the form of strikers Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Striker Struggles Amid Title Chase
Coach Hansi Flick has alternated between veteran Lewandowski, 37, and 25-year-old Torres, but neither has hit top form in 2026.
Lewandowski has scored just five goals in his last 18 appearances and appears less mobile than in previous seasons, while Torres has netted three goals in his last 15 games and struggles to contribute consistently to Barca’s build-up play.
“With so many matches, rotation at striker is natural, and I think Ferran and I can benefit from the current situation,” Lewandowski told Polish magazine Pilka Nozna. “I’m tired but I’m not worn-out.”
Barcelona remain the league’s highest scorers with 67 goals, with contributions from 10 different players, highlighting their depth despite centre-forward struggles. England international Marcus Rashford has excelled in creating chances, providing 13 assists alongside 10 goals in 34 appearances, though he prefers operating from the left rather than as a central striker.
Champions League Break Offers Recovery
With other teams involved in the Champions League play-offs, Barca have enjoyed a two-week period to rest key players and focus on the Villarreal match.
“It’s important that we have these two weeks, to rest a little but also focus on the next match against Villarreal, that will also be a tough match,” said Flick.
Villarreal trail the Catalans by 10 points, and while their title hopes are slim, a surprise victory at Camp Nou could breathe new life into their campaign.
Player Watch: Pablo Fornals
Elsewhere in La Liga, former West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals is in excellent form for Real Betis. Fornals, 30, scored in Betis’ 2-0 win over Sevilla earlier this season and will look to replicate that performance in Sunday’s city clash at home.
La Liga Fixtures This Weekend (GMT)
Friday
- Levante vs Alaves (2000)
Saturday
- Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao (1300)
- Barcelona vs Villarreal (1515)
- Mallorca vs Real Sociedad (1730)
- Real Oviedo vs Atletico Madrid (2000)
Sunday
- Elche vs Espanyol (1300)
- Valencia vs Osasuna (1515)
- Real Betis vs Sevilla (1730)
- Girona vs Celta Vigo (2000)
Monday
- Real Madrid vs Getafe (2000)
