Barcelona vs Villareal La Liga Fixture – Team News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Crucial La Liga Clash on May 18.

Barcelona will look to celebrate their La Liga title win in style when they host Villarreal on Sunday evening. The Catalan giants confirmed the league title with a 2-0 win over Espanyol in the last game only three days ago. Now, they are set to lift the trophy at the end of the Barcelona vs Villareal clash at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

However, Villarreal who are still fighting for a top-five finish, will aim to spoil the party. They will give a tough fight to La Blaugrana. Meanwhile, Barcelona will be determined to win before they begin their walk with the trophy on the ground. Both sides are boasting attacking firepower and recent strong form, so it will be an exciting clash.

Today's squad 👇#BarçaVillarreal https://t.co/qqdiTuTdaC
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) May 18, 2025

First Home Game Following La Liga Title Win

This is not only Barcelona’s last home game of the season, but it’s also their first home game after clinching the La Liga title. Blaugrana ensured their title win in their match on the road against Espanyol with goals from Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez. Hansi Flick’s side are now on 85 points and cannot be caught by Real Madrid, who are trailing by seven points.

The trophy celebration will now follow Sunday’s match. Barcelona will look to win the last game at home before facing Athletic Bilbao on the road in their last game of the season. Despite missing out on the Champions League, Flick’s debut season has brought three trophies. Now, their confidence is high heading into the next season at a renovated Camp Nou.

Also read: Hansi Flick Wins Domestic Treble in Dream Debut Season at Barcelona

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona will have Inigo Martinez available again after suspension. However, Ronald Araujo remains a doubt after suffering a muscular problem in their last game. Marc Bernal, Ferran Torres, and Jules Kounde are ruled out, which means a good number of changes to the lineup can be expected.

Fermin Lopez, Pau Cubarsi, and Alejandro Balde could all start the match replacing the trio. In the front line, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha should continue to lead the charge. All three are enjoying a standout season and are aiming to hit the 100-goal mark in La Liga with the current goal numbers set at 97.

Barcelona Probable Starting Lineup:

Szczesny; Balde, I Martinez, Cubarsi, E Garcia; Pedri, De Jong; Raphinha, Fermin, Yamal; Lewandowski

Also Read: Lamine Yamal Matches Cristiano Ronaldo’s La Liga Title Tally in Just Three Seasons

Villareal Team News

Villarreal will be without Thierno Barry, Kiko Femenia, Ilias Akhomach, and Raul Albiol for their trip to Barcelona. However, Marcelino’s side is otherwise fit and firing. Ayoze Perez, who struck twice against Leganes, will spearhead the attack. He is also eyeing his 20th league goal against the Catalan club.

Only one change can be expected from their previous outing. Willy Kambwala could potentially replace Pau Navarro in the back line, leading Juan Foyth to switch to right-back. Villarreal’s strong away form should give them enough confidence against the newly crowned champions.

Villareal Probable Starting Lineup:

Luiz Jr.; Pedraza, Costa, Kambwala, Foyth; Parejo, Gueye; Pino, Baena, Pepe; Perez

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Barcelona vs Villareal

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Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.