Preview: Villarreal to test Barcelona, Sevilla derby takes center-stage in La Liga

Madrid, Feb. 26 — La Liga’s top spot is once again within Barcelona’s grasp, but the league leaders will have to pass a stern examination on Saturday afternoon when third-placed Villarreal visits the Camp Nou. The Catalans reclaimed first place last weekend after Real Madrid stumbled 2-1 away to Osasuna, while Barcelona responded with a composed 3-0 victory over Levante, a side that looked increasingly resigned to relegation. With the gap at the summit tightening, the meeting with Villarreal shapes up as one of Barcelona’s most demanding fixtures between now and the season’s end, offering the Yellow Submarine a chance to measure their own European credentials against the pacesetters. Elsewhere on the weekend calendar, the Seville derby will command its share of spotlight, promising local pride and pivotal points in the race for continental qualification.