Barcelona faces its toughest remaining test of the season in La Liga when Quique Setien's team heads to face a red-hot VIllarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica in what is a must-win match. Villarreal was mid-table not too long ago, but now the Yellow Submarine are pushing for Champions League qualification on the heels of four wins in their last five games. Barca trails Real Madrid in the table by seven points entering the day, with Los Blancos beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 earlier in the day.
Here's how you can watch the match and what to know:
Viewing information
Date: Sunday, July 5
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio de la Ceramica -- Villarreal, Spain
TV: beIN Sports
Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Odds: Barcelona -128; Draw +290; Villarreal +333 (via William Hill Sportsbook)
Storylines
Barcelona: It's time to put up or shut up. Dropping points here essentially ends the title race if Real Madrid wins on Sunday morning. Barca lacks confidence and form, and they are going to need some Lionel Messi magic here to get three points. Luis Suarez hasn't looked particularly sharp outside of the 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Matchday 32, but here is a chance for him to really get going against a physical defense. Expect Messi to try and play Suarez a bit outside of the box with Villarreal liking to sit back. The quick combination of passes will be key atop the box will be key to finding space.
Villarreal: The form has been sensational. In their four wins in the last five, they haven't conceded a goal. In total, it's two goals conceded in the last 470 minutes. They've controlled possession, have been unselfish in the final third and are playing as well as any team in La Liga. They expect to get a result here and just might. Expect Barca to have trouble breaking down this defense, at least early.
Prediction
Barca keeps its title hopes alive with a vital win on the road. Pick: Barcelona 2, Villarreal 1
