Barca's Champions League Goals Prompt Bold Moves in Bilbao Clash
Barcelona clinched a clean sweep of domestic honours last term yet came up just short in the Champions League, losing out in the last four to Inter Milan, which has become their top focus this campaign.
The aspiration to reclaim the European crown for the first time in nearly a decade could tempt Hansi Flicks team to ease up in La Liga over the coming days.
The La Liga title holders head to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, holding a four point advantage over challengers Real Madrid, who face Celta Vigo on Friday evening.
With Alvaro Arbeloas outfit struggling after Mondays loss to Getafe, Flick might exploit the gap to make sweeping changes ahead of next weeks Champions League round of sixteen tie away at Newcastle.
The Blaugrana wrapped up Tuesdays Copa del Rey semi final against Atletico Madrid utterly spent, securing a 3-0 victory but bowing out 4-3 overall, heightening the need for Flick to rest his key men.
"The whole squad was drained as they poured everything into the effort, exceeding 100 percent," Flick noted.
Barca adjusted their itinerary on Wednesday, opting to travel straight to England from Bilbao instead of looping back home.
Facing Newcastle in the last sixteen, followed potentially by Atletico or Tottenham Hotspur in the quarters, Barcelona view a favourable path to the semi finals.
Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde picked up knocks versus Atletico and join Frenkie de Jong among the absentees, as Robert Lewandowski might need a protective mask due to his broken eye socket.
Midfield talent Pedri has just shaken off an injury but Flick urged him through the full match against Atletico.
"We really required Pedri out there, so I checked if he could keep going and Im thrilled hes unscathed," Flick conceded.
"It was a gamble letting him play the complete 90. Post match, he assured me everything was fine."
Squad fringe figures such as Marc Casado, Ronald Araujo and Roony Bardghji may earn starting berths, alongside loanee from Manchester United, winger Marcus Rashford.
The English forward has shone sporadically this year, though Rashinhas recovery has edged him aside.
Flick faces challenges benching young winger Lamine Yamal, the teenager eager for every possible second on the field.
In a recent 3-0 triumph over Levante, the 18 year old vented his annoyance at substitution late on, with victory assured.
Ex Barca boss Ernesto Valverdes Athletic Bilbao have endured a tough year, lingering in ninth in La Liga, trailing fourth by 16 points.
Still, the Basques often rally fiercely when hosting one of Spains top two at San Mames, and sensing Barcelonas European fixation, they detect vulnerability.
They aim to atone for supporters after Wednesdays Copa del Rey semi final derby reverse to Real Sociedad.
Player to watch: Alexander Sorloth
Atletico Madrids Norwegian striker is firing on all cylinders with five strikes in his past four outings in every competition. Having come off the bench midweek in the Copa del Rey, hes set to feature from the outset versus Pellegrino Matarazzos awkward Real Sociedad at the Metropolitano on Saturday.
Key stats
2 consecutive defeats in La Liga for Real Madrid
9 matches without a win for Espanyol, who host bottom side Real Oviedo on Monday
171 clearances by Real Betis Natan, more than any other player
Fixtures
Friday all times GMT
Celta Vigo v Real Madrid 2000
Saturday
Osasuna v Mallorca 1300, Levante v Girona 1515, Atletico Madrid v Real Sociedad 1730, Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona 2000
Sunday
Villarreal v Elche 1300, Getafe v Real Betis 1515, Sevilla v Rayo Vallecano 1730, Valencia v Alaves 2000
Monday
Espanyol v Real Oviedo 2000