Villarreal have experienced plenty of ups and downs this season, but recent performances are a real concern. Back-to-back defeats against Racing Santander and FC Copenhagen highlight the current struggles, especially considering Villarreal were expected to perform better in both matches.

The loss to Copenhagen was particularly worrying from a defensive perspective. Villarreal struggled to keep opponents away from the box, and almost every Copenhagen attack looked dangerous. From just four shots on target, three goals were conceded an efficiency that underlines how vulnerable the defence has become.

Against a side like Barcelona, this level of defending is likely to be punished even more. Matters are further complicated by the absence of Pape Gueye, who is away on international duty, weakening the midfield balance.