Barcelona is back in action this weekend, looking to remain atop the table as they host Mallorca on Sunday morning.
Barcelona vs. Mallorca Preview
Hansi Flick's side is coming off a 2-1 victory over Albacete in their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Tuesday. They will now turn their focus back to La Liga, determined to stay ahead of rival Real Madrid.
"I'm happy with our style," Flick said. "We have to be more focused when finishing our chances, but the team is in a good moment."
Barcelona is a perfect 10-0-0 at Camp Nou this season.
Lamine Yamal's Scoring Streak
Spanish star Lamine Yamal has been at the forefront of Barcelona's attack, as he has scored in four straight games across all competitions. He is one of just eight players to accomplish the feat for Barca since the 2013-14 season, joining Leo Messi (19 times), Luis Suárez (10), Robert Lewandowski (5), Neymar (5), Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres.
Yamal is also the youngest player in La Liga history to achieve the feat at 18 years, 205 days.
"The most important thing is that he enjoys himself. And that's something we have to help him with," Flick said. "You can see it in his performances. He's scoring more goals, and he still has even more potential."
The 18-year-old has compiled 14 goals and 12 assists this season.
Team Updates
Brazilian winger Raphinha remains unavailable due to a right leg injury but Flick highlighted Frenkie de Jong as someone who has stepped into a bigger leadership role and created an atmosphere to get the best form out of the entire squad.
"He's fantastic on the ball, and he's grown as a leader, which is normal with his age and experience. He feels very comfortable in Barcelona. He loves the club and the city," Flick said of de Jong.
"What matters is that players give everything they have. When the atmosphere is good, you work better, you're more motivated to give more. In six days we play three matches, but I see the players in a great environment and that's what I value. Respect between coach and players, and between players and coach. That's how you get the best level from everyone."
Mallorca's Recent Form
On the other side, Mallorca has won two of its past three games as the club tries to move further away from the relegation zone. They are coming off a solid 4-1 showing over Sevilla on Monday.
Villarreal vs. Espanyol
Coming off a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Osasuna last Saturday, Villarreal will try to tighten their grip on fourth place as they host Espanyol on Monday afternoon.
Villarreal sits fourth in the La Liga table with 42 points, trailing only Barcelona (55), Real Madrid (54), and Atletico Madrid (45). A win will allow Marcelino's side to gain some distance on the chasing Real Betis and Espanyol.
New Signings
The Yellow Submarine introduced a pair of new signings on Friday and welcomed Alex Freeman and Alfon Gonzalez to the club.
"We believe Alfon will make a great contribution in the final stretch of the season to help us achieve our objectives," Villarreal CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles said of Gonzalez.
"I'm excited and happy to be here. I'm injured at the moment. I want to recover as well as possible, and in three weeks I hope to be able to help the team with my work," Gonzalez said at the introductory press conference.
Negueroles also praised Freeman, who moves over from Orlando City of MLS. "He has great potential, and we have full confidence in him in the short, medium and long term," he said.
"I wanted to prove my level. I wanted to take a step forward and show that I can be a good player in La Liga. It's a big step in my career. I trust my abilities, and that's why I came here to play for such a fantastic club as Villarreal," said Freeman.