BARCELONA — FC Barcelona bids farewell to Montjuïc this weekend, playing their final match of the season — and likely their last ever at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The game will be marked by celebration, as the Catalan side will lift the La Liga trophy and present their treble of titles to an enthusiastic home crowd.
Their opponent, Villarreal, comes into the match needing just a draw to secure a coveted Champions League spot for next season. After an expected guard of honour for the league champions, Villarreal will aim to leave Montjuïc with a valuable point.
Historically, celebration matches at home have not favored Barcelona. Out of seven home games played after clinching a league title early, the team has only managed one win — drawing four and losing two. One of the most memorable examples came in 2018, during a Clásico against Real Madrid that ended 2-2 amidst controversy over a missing guard of honour.
In fact, celebration matches have seen results like 2-2 against Deportivo in 2015, a goalless draw against the same side in 2011, a 0-1 loss to Osasuna in 2009, and another 3-3 draw against Villarreal back in 2005. Only in 2006 did Barcelona enjoy a perfect celebration match, defeating Espanyol 2-0 just days before their Champions League triumph in Paris.
Head coach Hansi Flick expressed his desire to close the season with a strong performance at home. He’ll be without Jules Koundé (injury), Ferran Torres (appendicitis), and Ronald Araújo (suspension), but has enough depth to field a competitive lineup.
This match may also mark the farewell of several players. Ansu Fati is expected to leave, while others like Pablo Torre, Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araújo are uncertain to stay, with transfer speculation swirling around them. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, linked with the club, may decide his future soon as well.
Villarreal, meanwhile, will be without former Barça youth player Ilias Akhomach. The Yellow Submarine is chasing their fifth-ever qualification to the Champions League. Fans still remember their semifinal runs in 2006 under Manuel Pellegrini and in 2022 with Unai Emery, where they narrowly missed reaching the final.
Starting Lineups – Barcelona vs Villarreal
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Èric García, Gerard Martín; Gavi, Pedri, Fermín; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Villarreal: Luiz Junior; Santi Foyth, Logan Costa, Cardona; Comesaña, Parejo, Álex Baena; Yeremi Pino, Pepé, Ayoze.
Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero
Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Kick-off Time: 13:00 ET / 11:00 MX
0 Comments