Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez in Fine Form Ahead of Villarreal Clash

LaLiga preview: Valencia seek a vital point against Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid host Villarreal with Julian Alvarez in top form.

Barcelona is looking to capitalize on the momentum from their thrilling Champions League win at Benfica to get their LaLiga title bid back on track. The Catalan giants will host an improving Valencia side on Sunday, aiming to end a dismal run of just one victory in their last eight league games. Barcelona's poor form has seen them drop seven points behind champions and current leaders Real Madrid.

Valencia, under new coach Carlos Corberan, will pose a formidable challenge to Barcelona. Corberan, appointed on Christmas Day, has already made a positive impact, guiding his team to an impressive 1-0 home win against Real Sociedad last weekend. Valencia also came close to taking points off Real Madrid in Corberan's first game in charge, ultimately losing 2-1. The team has also enjoyed success in the cup, winning two games in January to reach the quarter-finals, where they will face Barcelona again.

Valencia's recent upturn in form has seen them climb off the bottom of the LaLiga table to 19th place, four points from safety. Despite still facing a tough battle to avoid relegation, Los Che will be buoyed by their recent performances and will look to cause an upset against Barcelona on Sunday.

Valencia, under the guidance of coach Carlos Corberan, will face a Barcelona side that has been in impressive goal-scoring form, netting five goals in three of their last four matches. However, Barca's only league game in that period ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw at Getafe last Saturday. Valencia will likely take note of Getafe's successful low-block defense strategy, which caused Barcelona significant difficulties in breaking down.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged that his team needs to work on their defensive mistakes, particularly after their midweek match against Benfica. “It's important we speak about this, because the next opponents will look at this match and we have to make it better, and we will do that,” Flick said. The German coach emphasized the importance of analyzing and improving their defensive performance. “We will train on this, if it's possible, or we can (discuss it) in the meeting, we can do some technical things. We analyse everything and we'll show (the players) what we have to do better.”

LaLiga's top goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski, has been in impressive form, netting twice from the penalty spot in midweek. However, he has only scored one goal in his last five league matches. Additionally, Getafe successfully kept Barcelona's teenage starlet Lamine Yamal quiet, which few other sides have managed this season.

Valencia coach Carlos Corberan emphasized the importance of continued improvement ahead of their trip to Barcelona. “We have to keep growing, I'm going to get the most out of every game we play,” Corberan said. He stressed that growth is a necessity in football, rather than just a desirable goal. “I'm not here to say that we have to grow for the sake of it, it's a reality of football. The team is increasing in terms of personality, dedication, commitment and it's very important to consolidate that.”

Valencia's recent improvement under coach Carlos Corberan will face a significant test when they travel to Barcelona on Sunday. A positive result, even a draw, would be a major boost for Valencia, who are seeking to avoid relegation. The club has only experienced relegation once in its history, in 1986, and was promptly promoted the following year. A point against title challengers Barcelona could prove crucial in Valencia's bid to stay in LaLiga.

Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez has been in scintillating form, scoring twice in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen to secure a vital comeback victory. Alvarez's partnership with Antoine Griezmann is proving to be a potent force, driving Atletico's title bid. The duo will look to continue their impressive form when Atletico hosts high-flying Villarreal on Saturday.

Here are some key statistics from LaLiga: Barcelona winger Raphinha has already surpassed his previous best goal tally, scoring 22 goals across all competitions this season. Osasuna's Lucas Torro has committed the most fouls in LaLiga, with a total of 48. Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe has been the most prolific shooter, with 75 shots on goal.