Barca look to strengthen La Liga lead in clash against Las Palmas

Barcelona travel to Las Palmas on Saturday in La Liga aiming to do what they, champions Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have failed to manage in recent weeks.

Having clawed their way back to the top of the pile, leading Los Blancos on goal difference, Hansi Flick’s side are determined to hold on to top spot.

Barcelona led for most of the first half of the season before a collapse in November and December saw them drop to third.

Atletico Madrid beat Barca just before Christmas to take the lead but after stumbling at minnows Leganes in January, Real Madrid took control.

They opened up a seven-point lead on third-place Barca but with no wins in their last three games, Flick’s team muscled their way back in.

Barca beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 on Monday to reclaim top spot for the first time in 2025 and this time they plan to keep it.

“Getting that first place is positive for the fans,” said Flick. “Now we are back and we are very happy.”

Having endured a run of just one win in seven La Liga matches towards the end of 2024, Flick took action.

The coach brought in goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and midfielder Frenkie de Jong to replace Inaki Pena and Marc Casado respectively in his regular starting line-up.

Barcelona also benefitted from the winter break to rest legs run ragged by Flick’s high-pressing and intense style.

It also offered the chance for a mental reset, which the players and coach admitted was much needed.

“I think you can have a feeling that in La Liga we’re missing 5-10 percent, it’s like that and this is what we have to change,” complained Flick in January. Barcelona do not need reminding about Las Palmas’ threat, even though they are down in 17th battling relegation.

Agence France-Presse