Jose Gonzalez’s Granada side take on La Liga leaders Barcelona in a hotly contested battle at the Los Carmenes on Saturday. The last time these two sides met, it was a comfortable 4-0 win for Barcelona courtesy a Lionel Messi Hat trick at the Nou Camp. Tonight’s matchup will be of utmost importance for the Blaugranas as a win would mean they would secure their 24th La Liga title. Granada have virtually nothing to play for having secured safety from being relegated.
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A win for Barcelona, however, would make them La Liga champions for the 2nd year running with Real Madrid one point short of the current champions. Despite their incredible start to the season, Barcelona were knocked out of the Champions League as they lost to a resolute Atletico Madrid side and they are now just a point above Madrid in the La Liga race. A loss today means that Barcelona could end the season without any major trophy with only the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup to show for.
The Nazaries are coming off a 4-1 away win over Sevilla, a place where even Barcelona lost this season. So Granada would be riding high with confidence and having secured safety, they would only be looking to play for their pride.
Also read: La Liga: Luis Suarez wants Barcelona to be strong in title decider
The home team have picked up pace late in the season having won three games and a draw in their last six league matches. They haven’t lost a game at home once in their last six fixtures.
Meanwhile, the current La Liga champions have endured a tough few months since the turn of the year with a few shock defeats to the likes of Valencia and Real Sociedad. Barca have no other option but to win in order to retain their title.
Granada have no new injury concerns, with Defenders Diego Mainz, Dimitri Foulquier and Forward Isaac Success out for a long time. Defender Cristiano Biraghi is doubtful to feature in the match tonight.
Also read: La Liga: Granada goalkeeper suggests Real Madrid might offer bonus if they stop Barcelona
The Catalan club have no fresh injuries with centre-backs Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen getting cleared to be a part of the squad. Backup forward Sandro Ramirez is out of the game while first choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is a doubt.
The La Liga leaders have failed to beat Granada only once in their entire history while Granada did beat Barcelona in 2014.
Barcelona are in the driving seat with one hand on the trophy. If all goes well for the Blaugranas they should clinch the title tonight. Luis Suarez is expected to pick up the Pichichi trophy for having a prolific season for the Catalan club.
Granada vs Barcelona, 2015-16 La Liga: Live streaming Details
Television Channel: AXN SD
Online Stream: Sony Liv
Date: 14 May 2016, Saturday
Time: 8:30 PM (IST)
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes
