Barcelona head into Sunday’s home fixture against Valencia brimming with confidence after their thrilling win midweek in Europe.
The Catalan side produced a dramatic comeback in the Champions League against Benfica, turning around a 4-2 scoreline to win the game 5-4.
Barca enter the match as clear favorites against a struggling Valencia who are currently 19th and battling to avoid relegation.
The Blaugrana themselves need a win badly and will hope to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid who are seven points ahead.
Valencia face an uphill battle against their illustrious opponents and it feels like they have their work cut out for them.
WATCH:Barcelona vs. Valencia LIVE in US on ESPN+
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Barcelona vs. Valencia live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
- TV channel: ESPN Deportes
- Live stream: ESPN+
This game is available for live TV broadcast in the United States on ESPN Deportes. Streaming options are also available on ESPN+.
For a limited time, get 12 months of ESPN+ for the price of 9 with the purchase of an annual plan. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
WATCH:Best of La Liga action LIVE on ESPN+
What time does Barcelona vs. Valencia kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, Barcelona and kicks off on Sunday, January 26 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Jan. 26 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Jan. 26 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Jan. 26 | 1:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Jan. 26 | 12:00 p.m. |
Barcelona vs. Valencia lineups, team news
Barca will continue to miss Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, who remain sidelined with long-term issues. Inigo Martinez’s recent unavailability adds further strain to an already depleted roster.
Meanwhile, the team’s creative spark could be diminished with a slight cloud of injury hanging over Dani Olmo. This situation places even more responsibility on the wingers, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, to deliver in attack and drive the team’s creative play.
Barcelona starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Inaki Pena (GK) — Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Balde— Marc Casado, Pedri— Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha—Lewandowski.
Injured: Ter Stegen (Injured), Inigo Martinez (Injured), Marc Bernal (Injured), Dani Olmo (Doubtful)
Suspended: none
Defensive concerns have piled up for Valencia, with Cristhian Mosquera unavailable due to suspension. Additionally, injuries have sidelined key players such as Thierry Correia and Mouctar Diakhaby, further limiting options at the back.
Adding to their woes, Umar Sadiq, who recently arrived on loan from Real Sociedad, is now facing uncertainty due to a knee issue, casting doubt on his availability.
Valencia starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Mamardashvili (GK) — Foulquier, Carlos Tarrega, Hugo Guillamon, Jose Luis Gaya— Javi Guerra, Barrenechea — Diego Lopez, Almeida, Luis Rioja— Hugo Duro
Injured: Correia (Injured), Diakhaby (Injured), Rafa Mir (questionable), Sadiq (questionable)
Suspended: Cristhian Mosquera
Barcelona vs. Valencia Prediction
Valencia, entrenched in La Liga’s bottom three, are fighting to avoid relegation. The arrival of former West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has sparked improvement, highlighted by a vital 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at Mestalla.
Corberan’s tactical acumen will be key as Valencia face Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. While they may seek to exploit Barca’s high defensive line, the hosts’ firepower makes outscoring them an uphill battle.
- Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Valencia
La Liga fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Friday, January 24
- Las Palmas vs. Osasuna (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, January 25
- Mallorca vs. Real Betis (8:00 a.m.)
- Atlético Madrid vs. Villarreal (10:15 a.m.)
- Sevilla vs. Espanyol (12:30 p.m.)
- Real Valladolid vs. Real Madrid (3:00 p.m.)
Sunday, January 26
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Girona (8:00 a.m.)
- Real Sociedad vs. Getafe (10:15 a.m.)
- Athletic Club vs. Leganés (12:30 p.m.)
- Barcelona vs. Valencia (3:00 p.m.)
Monday, January 27
- Deportivo Alavés vs. Celta Vigo (3:00 p.m.)