Barcelona have little or no time to relax after a stunning win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek as the Catalans continue their quest for a treble continues when Valencia visit the Camp Nou on Saturday.
.
Luis Enrique’s men all but secured their place in the semifinals of the Champions League with a 3-1 dismantling of the French champions thanks to two wonderful goals from Luis Suarez.
.
However, a 2-2 draw away to Sevilla last weekend means should Barca suffer one more slip-up between now and the end of the league campaign, the destiny of the title will be in Real Madrid and Ronaldo’s hands.
.
“We learned our lesson from the game against Sevilla. In Paris we played a more complete game and that shows in the scoreline,” said defender Gerard Pique, who made his 300th appearance for the club at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
.
“We are very confident. The dressing room is very happy, but we have our feet on the ground. We know the most difficult part (of the season) is yet to come being leaders of La Liga, in the final of the Copa del Rey and with a result in our favour to qualify for the semifinals of the Champions League.
.
“From now on every game is like a final and we don’t have time to rest. First we have Valencia, then PSG in the Camp Nou. The schedule is very difficult, but if we want to win as many titles as possible we have to accept it and move on.”
.
Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta might not feature after suffering heavy bruising on his lower back against PSG, but Dani Alves will return from suspension to take his place at right-back.
.
Valencia are in need of the points themselves as they battle with Atletico Madrid and Sevilla for the final two Champions League places for next season.
.
Los Che stunned the Nou Camp last February with a 3-2 win and striker Alvaro Negredo sees no reason why they can’t repeat that this weekend.
.
“We know it will be very difficult to win at Camp Nou but my teammates managed it last season,” said the Spanish international.
.
“Why not this year as well? It’s very demanding, you have to be fully focused for 90 minutes and we are going to try and take all three points.”
.
Valencia will be boosted by the return of full-back Jose Luis Gaya from injury despite continuing speculation about a move to Real Madrid next season for the 19-year-old.
.
Madrid host Malaga later on Saturday.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate