Barcelona talking points as draining Clasico clash threatens unbeaten La Liga run

SEEING THE JOB THROUGH

This Clasico may have been derided as being ‘decaffeinated’ by the Spanish media in the build-up, but it still delivered plenty of drama.

From Barca right-back Sergi Roberto’s dismissal in first-half injury-time for a swipe at Brazil left-back Marcelo, to the ongoing pitch battle between Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos and Uruguay firebrand Luis Suarez, there was no lack of commitment to winning.

That full-blooded game will be just shy of 72 hours in the past when the hosts run out at Camp Nou once again.

Valverde must carefully study his troops and decide who can return to the front – and who needs to be left in recovery.

Portugal right-back Nelson Semedo offered promise after the break for 10-man Barca. On the left-hand side, dependable Belgium centre-back Thomas Vermaelen and France left-back Lucas Digne should come in.

Further forward, the driving ability of erratic France flyer Ousmane Dembele should be unleashed.

Valverde must hope these changes will not threaten a seven-match winning run at home against Villarreal in all competitions.

WILL THE YELLOW SUBMARINE SINK THEM?

The rivalry between Barca and Madrid didn’t need another flash point – but it got one with this Sunday’s refusal by the visitors to offer a guard of honour for the top-flight champions.

With no history of such acrimony, sports daily AS reports that Villarreal will step into breach filled by the Blaugrana staff and pay their respects in midweek.

But shows of deference should not just be a one-way street. The Yellow Submarine have plenty of potential to spoil Barca’s gleaming record.

Javier Calleja’s troops come into the clash on the back of three-successive victories. They are also aiming to complete the double of away wins at both of Spain’s giants – exciting playmaker Pablo Fornals’ wonderful late chip downed Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in January.

December’s reverse meeting was no simple affair for Valverde. Second-half goals from Pablo Alcacer and Lionel Messi finally saw them through.

Villarreal’s current sixth spot, with a five-point cushion and a game in hand to Getafe, means they are close to sealing another automatic run in the Europa League.

This could be achieved in memorable fashion with a heartbreaking raid at Camp Nou.

MESSI AND SUAREZ CAN STRIKE

In a week when talk has intensified about the expected €100 million (Dh435.7m) recruitment of Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, the relentless scoring form of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez has caused minds to wonder why such an expensive course of action is being undertaken?

Suarez’s adept opening volley versus Madrid moved him onto 30 goals in 48 matches this term. Not bad when you consider a knee injury made him immobile for much of the winter.

Messi’s unnerving strike into the near post to make it 2-1 put him onto 44 goals in 52 fixtures. In the race for the European Golden Shoe, this is one more than Madrid’s prone Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s waning Mohamed Salah.

The prior seven home wins versus Villarreal have come at an average of more than 2.5 goals scored by them per game. Messi and Suarez should fill their boots.