There is no room for stumbling in the “La Liga”

The Spanish club Barcelona aspires to put an end to its series of decline in La Liga, especially after its exciting victory over the Portuguese Benfica 5-4 in the Champions League, when it faces its counterpart Valencia, this evening, Sunday (10 p.m., occupied Jerusalem time), within the 21st stage. From the local competition.

Barcelona has won only once in the last eight league matches, falling behind Real Madrid, the defending champion and top of the standings. For its part, Valencia enters the match at the Olympic Stadium on the back of a remarkable victory at home against Real Sociedad 1-0 last week, in light of its improved performance under the leadership of its new coach, Carlos Corberan. The former English coach of West Bromwich Albion was appointed head of the team on Christmas Day, and his team almost snatched points against Real Madrid before narrowly losing 1-2 in its first match. Valencia also won two matches in the local cup competition this month to reach the quarter-finals, where it will also face Barcelona.

Corberan and his team face a side that has scored five goals in each of its last four matches in various competitions, but its only league match in this period ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Getafe last Saturday. Barcelona’s German coach, Hansi Flick, said in statements reported by Agence France-Presse that his team must work to solve the defensive problems it faced against Benfica before the Valencia match. The German coach pointed out: “It is important that we talk about this matter, because the next competitors will look at this match, and we have to make it better, and we will do that.”

The top scorer in La Liga this season, Polish Robert Lewandowski, scored two goals in midweek from the penalty spot, but he had scored one goal in the last five matches in La Liga. Getafe also succeeded in containing Barcelona’s young star, Lamine Yamal, something that only a few teams have succeeded in doing this season. Corberan urged his team to continue improving before the planned visit to Barcelona, ​​and the Valencia coach said: “We have to continue to improve, and I will try to make the most of every match we play. I am not here to say that we must improve for the sake of improving, that is a fact in football. The team is developing.” In terms of character, dedication and commitment, it is very important to reinforce that.” Valencia had previously been relegated once in its history, in 1986, before rising again the following year. His new image under Corberan’s leadership will be under the microscope, if he is able to grab a point or more against title rival Barcelona, ​​which may be decisive at the end of the season in order to avoid relegation.