Deportivo Villarreal wants to stop FC Barcelona from stretching its winning streak. The clash will take place on Sunday. Coach Rijkaard is confident, however, in his powerful team, which has won six league matches plus two more in the Champions League, scoring 28 goals and conceding three.
But Villarreal's recent performance is very good. Neither team has lost for more than two months.
"The game is one of the greatest in this season and much more so when you look at how the teams are doing. A win would a big step for us," Villarreal's Brazilian midfielder Marcos Senna said.
Nevertheless, Barcelona's confidence is very strong. "If we keep up this level, with the team putting its all into every game, it will be very difficult for us to lose," Mexican defender Rafael Marquez said.
Barcelona has been led by Ronaldinho, who has netted 10 times in his last 10 games and won the European player of the year award on Monday.
Villarreal hopes to avoid the distraction of its Champions League game on Wednesday against Lille. A win or a draw against the French team would send Manuel Pellegrini's team into the knockout round.
Villarreal striker Diego Forlan, who hasn't played for the club since Nov. 2 because of a left thigh injury, is almost fit but unlikely to play on Sunday.
After 13 games, Barcelona heads the standings with 28 points, above Osasuna on goal difference. Villarreal, Sevilla and Celta Vigo are next with 23. Real Madrid and Valencia have 22.
If Barcelona loses, Osasuna will go top if it avoids defeat at No. 12 Malaga on Sunday.
But Villarreal's recent performance is very good. Neither team has lost for more than two months.
"The game is one of the greatest in this season and much more so when you look at how the teams are doing. A win would a big step for us," Villarreal's Brazilian midfielder Marcos Senna said.
Nevertheless, Barcelona's confidence is very strong. "If we keep up this level, with the team putting its all into every game, it will be very difficult for us to lose," Mexican defender Rafael Marquez said.
Barcelona has been led by Ronaldinho, who has netted 10 times in his last 10 games and won the European player of the year award on Monday.
Villarreal hopes to avoid the distraction of its Champions League game on Wednesday against Lille. A win or a draw against the French team would send Manuel Pellegrini's team into the knockout round.
Villarreal striker Diego Forlan, who hasn't played for the club since Nov. 2 because of a left thigh injury, is almost fit but unlikely to play on Sunday.
After 13 games, Barcelona heads the standings with 28 points, above Osasuna on goal difference. Villarreal, Sevilla and Celta Vigo are next with 23. Real Madrid and Valencia have 22.
If Barcelona loses, Osasuna will go top if it avoids defeat at No. 12 Malaga on Sunday.
