Barcelona will close matchday 35 this Monday against Real Sociedad in a game where the Blaugrana, in case of securing a victory against Imanol Alguacil's side, will reclaim the second position in the standings following Girona's stumble.

The prize of this second place, which would also allow them to compete again in the Spanish Super Cup, is the only incentive left for the Catalan side in a season that has become quite long for them.

Last matchday, Xavi Hernandez's team faced another reality check with their defeat in Montivili (4-2), but Girona's recent draw against Alaves in Vitoria, now two points ahead, once again opens the doors to the runner-up spot.

To seek a new morale-boosting victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Xavi won't be able to count, as usual, on defender Alejandro Balde and midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pablo Paéz Gavira 'Gavi', who remain sidelined due to injury.