VALDES LOOKING FOR MOMENTUM

A look ahead to the weekend's action in the Spanish Primera Division.

Last Updated: 16/02/12 at 16:54 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Spanish Primera Liga. Click here to bet.

Victor Valdes: Hopes for good league form

Victor Valdes: Hopes for good league form

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes believes a good Champions League run could be the catalyst to a Primera Division fightback.

The reigning champions were dealt a further blow to their title hopes last weekend against Osasuna, losing 3-2 at Estadio Reyno de Navarra.

Barcelona now lie 10 points behind league leaders Real Madrid as a result, with many predicting the title is now beyond them.

The Catalans face a tough clash against third-placed Valencia this weekend and come into the game off the back of an impressive Champions League win at Bayer Leverkusen.

Barcelona put one foot in the quarter-finals with their 3-1 midweek victory and Valdes believes the competition could help them in the Primera Division.

"Doing so well in Germany keeps us alive in the competition," he told the club's official website.

"This is something very important for us and at the same time it provided inspiration for the league.

"The Champions League will affect what happens in the league.

"If we look at how the season has gone, there's no denying that we haven't been getting the away results we'd hoped for and that's why we're 10 points behind.

"But we have to keep at it. We won't let our heads drop. We have to keep believing and fighting."

Barcelona come into the match amid speculation regarding defender Gerard Pique.

The Spain international was left out of the midweek trip to Germany, which manager Pep Guardiola insists was only with Valencia in mind.

Valdes too was keen to downplay Pique's absence at the BayArena, adding: "There's no need to go on about that. He's the best centre-back in the world and he's always shown that.

"It was just the manager's decision the other day. I haven't noticed any change in him. He's working harder than ever and is enthusiastic about things".

Pique will have to be on top form this weekend to keep Valencia from snatching victory at the Nou Camp.

Defeat could see Barcelona fall 13 points behind Madrid, who host relegation-threatened Racing at the Bernabeu.

Fellow strugglers Sporting Gijon also travel to the Spanish capital to face Atletico, while bottom-placed Real Zaragoza host Real Betis on Monday.

Fourth-placed Levante will look to continue their incredible season when Rayo Vallecano visit Ciutat de Valencia, while fellow high-fliers Espanyol go to Getafe.

In the other games this weekend, Sevilla host Osasuna and Granada face Real Sociedad on Sunday, while Malaga travel to Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca face struggling Villarreal.

Bet with SkyBet  Spanish Primera Liga. Click here to bet.

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