Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona are aiming to search out their spark on Saturday towards Real Betis, with the Catalans limping in direction of the La Liga title.
Xavi Hernandez’s aspect is 11 factors clear on the high of the desk, closing in on its first title triumph since 2019, however has just one victory in its previous 4 video games.
Barcelona was overwhelmed 2-1 at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, with Lewandowski ending a run of 4 video games with out scoring, however his strike was not sufficient to assist his crew take something dwelling from Madrid.
The ahead had a spectacular begin to the season and is the division’s high goalscorer with 18 targets, however solely has 5 in La Liga in 2023.
“We are in a good position, we now have two home games and we have to try to play well and think about what we need to do to play better in these seven games that we have left,” mentioned Lewandowski after defeat at Vallecas.
“We didn’t have the patience to generate chances and create danger. We need more calm.”
The Polish striker has had fewer possibilities for the reason that World Cup due to accidents to some key team-mates together with Ousmane Dembele, who is ready to return on Saturday.
The French winger has been sidelined since January with a thigh damage, whereas midfielder Pedri made his return from damage final weekend towards Atletico Madrid.
Pedri arrange a high quality likelihood for Lewandowski towards Rayo early on however the ahead shot too near Stole Dimitrievski.
“Pedri will improve the team and the forwards,” mentioned Xavi final weekend.
“If Robert had two or three chances, now he will have four or five.”
Lewandowski is 4 targets forward of Real Madrid ahead Karim Benzema within the race to complete because the “Pichichi” — high scorer in Spain.
However the 34-year-old has the bottom tally of targets for a high scorer at this stage of the season since Madrid’s Ruud van Nistelrooy within the 2006-07 season.
Real Betis arrive at Camp Nou aiming to offer Lewandowski one other disappointing night in entrance of purpose and attempting to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
Manuel Pellegrini’s aspect, sixth, drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad on Tuesday, staying six factors behind the Basque aspect, present occupants of fourth place.
With Barcelona wanting weak, the journey to Camp Nou is an efficient alternative for Betis to earn factors from a sometimes troublesome away go to.
Player to observe
Marco Asensio: Real Madrid winger Asensio has hit a wealthy vein of kind in current weeks. The 27-year-old is out of contract on the finish of the season and is taking part in for a brand new deal. He has 4 targets and three assists in his final seven appearances for Los Blancos throughout all competitions.
Key stats
10 – In-form Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann leads the highest flight for assists
19 – Fit once more midfielder Pedri has performed extra by way of balls than another participant
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com