Bittersweet is probably the most appropriate word to describe the current position of FC Barcelona, as they are close to winning the La Liga title after several years. However, their European mission reached its painful end this Thursday at Old Trafford, with Manchester United putting a stop to their Europa League title credentials.Xavi having a hard time coming to terms with the Europa League exit: It would have been different if we had Pedri or Gavi…That’s why Xavi’s boys can not be happy ahead of their Sunday clash with Almeria, albeit the eventual victory could take them massive ten steps in front of their archrival Real Madrid. Los Blancos failed to beat Atletico Madrid on Saturday (1-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu), allowing Barcelona to make a double-digit advantage even before March.A painfull Madrileno draw for Los Blancos – ten-men Atletico keep Real away from BarcaXavi’s side is looking to make it eight consecutive league victories in Andalusia, and if they do, they’d equal a La Liga record in the process.##NAJAVA_MECA_7050023##However, they will do so without Ronald Araujo, who is injured, and Eric Garcia will probably replace him in central defence. Gavi will replace Sergio Busquets upon his return from suspension, while Sergi Roberto will have to make way for Ferran Torres.On the other hand, Almeria have their only battles to fight and will be desperate to take points off the Blaugrana.LA LIGA – ROUND 23FridayElche – Betis 2-3 (2-0)/Fidel 7 pen, Boye 9 – Iglesias 65 pen, Miranda 68, Willian 90+6 pen/SaturdayEspanyol – Mallorca 2-1 (1-1)/Braithwaite 22, 51 – Muriqi 41/Cadiz – Rayo Vallecano 1-0 (0-0)/Guardiola 74/Real Madrid – Atl.Madrid 1-1 (0-0)/Alvaro 85 – Jimenez 78/Valencia – SociedadSundayAth. Bilbao – Girona IN PROGRESS18:15: (1.75) Celta (3.70) Valladolid (5.90)20:30: (7.25) Almeria (4.40) Barcelona (1.49)23:00: (1.99) Sevilla (3.30) Osasuna (4.20)Monday23:00: (1.73) Villareal (3.50) Getafe (5.60)***odds are subject to change***
