The FC Barcelona women's football team has its first opportunity to secure the Liga F title this Sunday. The team sits four points clear at the top of the league standings.
Barcelona can claim the championship if they defeat Deportivo Abanca in their home match and second-place Real Madrid fails to win its game.
The Barcelona vs Deportivo fixture is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CEST at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. The Real Madrid match against Granada at Los Cármenes begins earlier, at 4:00 p.m. CEST. The timing means Barcelona players could potentially know the outcome of the Real Madrid game before or during their own match.
This would mark Barcelona's tenth Liga F title overall and their sixth consecutive league championship.
Barcelona coach Pere Romeu said his team aims to perform well before their supporters. "We know the match that awaits us," Romeu said. "We play in front of our fans. We want to have a good match, as we have been doing in recent rounds, and show a good version of ourselves that brings us closer to winning."
Deportivo Abanca, recently promoted back to the top flight, is battling to avoid relegation. The club is three points above the drop zone with three matches remaining. Deportivo changed coaches during the season, with Fran Alonso taking over from Irene Ferreras. Facing a dominant Barcelona side, Deportivo is expected to adopt a defensive strategy, according to Romeu. Barcelona won the first meeting between the teams earlier this season by a score of Barcelona - Deportivo 3-0.
Real Madrid must secure a victory in Granada to keep their title hopes alive should Barcelona win. Real Madrid holds a perfect record in away league matches this season, winning all 13 they have played. Their opponent, Granada, has been called the 'revelation' of the season and is currently fifth in the table, competing for a spot in European competition. Real Madrid coach Alberto Toril stated his team's objective is clear. "Our obligation is to win these three matches and push the league until the end, and we are going to try," Toril said.
Both teams have key absences. Barcelona will be without Kika Nazareth, who is out for the remainder of the season with injury. Deportivo is missing Cris MartÃnez and Henar Muiña due to injury, and LucÃa MartÃnez is suspended.
If Barcelona does not clinch the title Sunday, they will have two more opportunities in the remaining fixtures against Real Betis and Athletic Club. Real Madrid will face Costa Adeje Tenerife and Valencia in their final two matches.
