La Liga: date, time, channels and lineups for FC Barcelona – Villarreal

Barcelona, 28 February 2026 — With the La Liga title pendulum swinging by a single point, league leaders FC Barcelona welcome high-flying Villarreal to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for a 15:15 GMT kick-off that could shape the destiny of the championship. Hansi Flick’s side hold the slenderest of advantages over second-placed Real Madrid, but the visitors—currently third and ten points adrift—have every intention of muddying the waters in the capital of Catalonia.

Saturday’s fixture carries added spice for Barcelona: drop points and the Merengues could leapfrog them before the weekend is out. Yet Villarreal arrive with question marks after losing four of their last eight matches in all competitions. Nicolas Pépé, the Yellow Submarine’s headline act, will look to exploit any hesitation in a Barça back line that has conceded just twice in its last five league outings.

Barça’s XI showcases a blend of experience and youth. Marc-André ter Stegen’s absence means J. García takes the gloves, shielded by a back five of Cancelo, Eric García, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé and the ever-advancing João Cancelo. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri anchor midfield, while Raphinha, Fermín López, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres provide pace and invention in the final third.

Villarreal coach Marcelino García Toral responds with a 4-3-3 designed to compress the centre and strike on the break. Full-backs Junior and Adrián Cardona will tuck inside to crowd Pedri and De Jong, while centre-backs Jorge Cuenca and Pau Navarro are tasked with shackling Yamal’s dribbles and Raphinha’s diagonal runs. In midfield, Álex Baena’s suspension elevates Comesaña and Gueye as the double pivot, with Moleiro given licence to link with a front three of Buchanan, Pépé and Mikautadze.

The tactical duel will be fought on the flanks: Cancelo’s overlaps versus Villarreal’s narrow defensive block, and Pépé’s direct running against Cubarsí’s composure. A single moment could tilt the title race; neither side can afford a slip.

Broadcast coverage begins at 14:45 GMT on La Liga TV HD, Movistar LaLiga and ESPN Deportes, with radio commentary on Cadena SER and TalkSPORT 2.

FC Barcelona vs Villarreal, Saturday 28 February 2026, 15:15 GMT — a potential banana skin, a possible coronation, definitely unmissable.