\n
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) \u2014 Barcelona will look to take another step towards defending its Spanish league title with a derby against struggling Espanyol on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Barcelona will likely lose the title in their remaining eight games. Hansi Flick’s side maintain a seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, who host a resurgent Girona on Friday.<\/p>\n
“We know that every game is important,” Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said on Thursday. \u201cThe margin of error is now smaller.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both powerhouses will be tempted to rotate their line-ups in favor of next week’s Champions League games, where they will need to pull off an upset en route to the European semi-finals.<\/p>\n
Barcelona must turn around Lost 0-2 to Atl\u00e9tico Madrid<\/span> when Madrid visit the Spanish capital on Tuesday, the day before they travel for the match. Bayern Munich lost 2-1<\/span> To the German side.<\/p>\nkey match<\/h2>\n
When Barcelona last faced Espanyol in early January, their more modest crosstown rivals were sitting fifth in the league, having won five straight.<\/p>\n
But how difficult it is Lost 0-2 to Barcelona<\/span>The slump began after Espanyol squandered several early chances, and they are currently on a 13-game winless streak. The American-owned team currently sits in 10th place.<\/p>\nBarcelona lost to Atl\u00e9tico in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, ending their unbeaten run at nine points. Barcelona have failed to score just three times this season, two of which were against Atl\u00e9tico.<\/p>\n
Madrid host Girona after suffering a 2-1 loss to Mallorca in the final match and ending a losing streak with Bayern on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Girona spent most of the first half of the season in the relegation zone, but improved in 2026. They have lost just three of their last 13 games, including a 2-1 win over Barcelona in February, which leaves them 12th in the table.<\/p>\n
Featured players<\/h2>\n
Marcus Rashford will likely start again at Barcelona in place of the injured Rafinha.<\/p>\n
The English forward was Barcelona’s biggest threat against Atl\u00e9tico, but they failed to capitalize on their chances.<\/p>\n
Arbeloa has announced that Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga will start for Madrid against Girona. Bellingham is working towards returning to top form after injury, while Camavinga has been linked with a move to the Premier League.<\/p>\n
Activity suspended<\/h2>\n
Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonz\u00e1lez is doubtful after being substituted at half-time against Atletico. Frick said it was for precautionary reasons, but did not specify the reason.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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