Barcelona Aim To End La Liga Struggles Against Resurgent Valencia

Barcelona will look to capitalise on the momentum of their thrilling Champions League triumph over Benfica as they face an improving Valencia side on Sunday in La Liga .

The Catalan giants have endured a dismal domestic run, securing just one win in their last eight league matches and slipping seven points behind leaders Real Madrid. Their opponents, Valencia, have shown marked improvement under new head coach Carlos Corberan, who took over on Christmas Day.

Valencias recent resurgence includes an impressive 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad last weekend, lifting them off the bottom of the table to 19th place, four points from safety. Corberans influence was evident as his side narrowly lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in his debut match and advanced to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, where they will face Barcelona.

The teams defensive discipline will be crucial against a Barcelona side that has struggled to convert their attacking prowess into league success. Barcas recent league outing ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw with Getafe, a match where Hansi Flicks side struggled to break down a low-block defence. Valencia are expected to adopt a similar approach.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick emphasized the need to address defensive lapses, which could be exploited by Valencia. La Ligas top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who netted twice from the penalty spot midweek, has only managed one goal in his last five league matches. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, often a key creative outlet, was effectively neutralised by Getafe and will face a similar challenge against Valencias disciplined defence.