Barcelona head to Las Palmas on Saturday, determined to keep hold of the La Liga lead they fought hard to reclaim.
Hansi Flick’s side currently sit ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference after a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday, marking their return to the summit for the first time in 2025. Now, they face a tricky test against Las Palmas, a team that stunned them earlier in the season.
Barcelona had led for much of the first half of the campaign before a poor run in November and December saw them slip to third. Atletico Madrid briefly took the top spot before Real Madrid seized control in January, opening up a seven-point lead over the Catalans.
However, a slump in form from Los Blancos—failing to win in their last three league games—allowed Barcelona to claw their way back into contention. Flick acknowledged the importance of their return to the top.
Recognizing his team’s struggles, Flick made key changes. He brought in goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and midfielder Frenkie de Jong as regular starters, replacing Inaki Pena and Marc Casado. The winter break also provided a much-needed opportunity for rest and a mental reset, helping the squad recover from Flick’s demanding, high-pressing tactics.
“In La Liga, we’re missing 5-10 percent,” Flick admitted in January. “This is what we have to change.”
Since then, Barcelona have rediscovered their rhythm, with their form culminating in a dominant Spanish Super Cup victory over Real Madrid.
Despite Las Palmas’ position in 17th place and their battle against relegation, Barcelona will not take them lightly. The Canary Islanders handed them a shock 2-1 defeat at the Olympic Stadium in November, a result that contributed to Barca’s midseason slump.
With Atletico Madrid facing Valencia earlier in the day, Barcelona could temporarily lose their spot before kickoff. Meanwhile, Real Madrid take on Girona on Sunday in another pivotal match in the title race.
