Real Zaragoza vs. Barcelona: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Two teams going in different directions face off on Friday in a La Liga showdown.

Barcelona looks to continue their ascent toward the top of La Liga in a match against bottom-dwelling Real Zaragoza. Barca is fresh off a 3-1 win over Milan in the Champion's League.

Lionel Messi's squad will be hungry to pick up what should be three easy points as they get closer and closer to not winning the league title for the first time in four years. They are currently at 72 points, six shy of Real Madrid's 78.

Zaragoza currently sits at 18th in the standings with 28 points. The 18th-, 19th- and 20th-ranked teams in the standings are all relegated, so Zaragoza has their backs against the wall and will be fighting for every point they can get.

Let's take a look at everything you need for Friday's showdown.

When: Friday, April 7, 2:00 p.m. ET

Where: Estadio La Romareda, Spain

Watch: Sky Sports 

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Player to Watch: Xavi

Barcelona has their star in Messi, who will undoubtedly make his mark in the scoring column. But it's Xavi who makes Barca go and creates goals.

Barcelona's patient, passing style of play is quarterbacked by Xavi, possibly the best midfielder in the world. His skill on the ball will drive Zaragoza to fits, and he should pick up a few assists in this one.

Key Matchup: Barcelona forwards vs. Zaragoza backs

Like always, Barcelona will dominate possession and use their speedy forwards to get past the opposition's defense.

Zaragoza will need be ready for the offensive onslaught and will have to be able to weather the storm to have a relative chance in this game.

Look for Zaragoza to mix things up defensively, as a desperate team fights for every point they can muster. 

What They're Saying

After Barcelona's impressive showing to get to the Champion's League semifinals, manager Pep Guardiola is pleased with his team's play. He's not sold on them being favorites, though.

"I don't think we are the favourites, Bayern Munich are there, Real Madrid are there," Guardiola said.

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Guardiola and his Barcelona squad may not publicly admit it, but they are confident in their chances of winning their third Champion's League in the last four years. 

Prediction: Barcelona win 4-0

Sometimes it takes a little while for Barcelona to get going, but once they do, they're impossible to stop. Even in their bad games, they can put away two or three goals.

Real Zaragoza has only scored 27 goals in their 30 games this season. Barcelona should have no trouble keeping a clean sheet against the likely-relegated Zaragoza.