Villarreal vs Barcelona preview - Bartra: We won't give up on title

Barcelona defender Marc Bartra insists the club are still hoping to win La Liga but concedes they will first need their title rivals to open the door.

Barca head into the weekend programme four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid and one in front of Real Madrid having played an extra game.

That equation means a successful defence of the Primera Division is out of Barca's hands, though the Catalonians can keep the pressure on at the top of the table in their final four matches.

They visit Villarreal on Sunday in the first of those, and Bartra said: "We know that we have to play the remaining four games like finals and the best thing we can do is to go into them totally committed, so that we are there if Atletico or Real Madrid slip up.

"We have to keep the pressure up on them and we still hope to win this league.

"There is no way we are giving up on the league title. We're ambitious and we will be going out to win every game."

Bartra was also reacting to news that the transfer ban imposed on the club had been suspended, paving the way for summer signings at the Nou Camp.

"That's the club's business. The players who are already here have shown what we can do," he said.

"I think the base of a Barca team has to be the homegrown players, as it has been until now. Whilst the players we bring in give some added quality, they adapt to our ways and we go forward. We always try and help players coming in to play at their best."

Villarreal, sitting seventh and within touching distance of the Europa League, have won just once in their last four outings.

But despite that modest run, midfielder Tomas Pina is delighted to be welcoming Gerardo Martino's glittering squad to El Madrigal.

"Barcelona are coming and this game represents a good chance to reverse our situation and to make people enjoy themselves again," said Pina.

"They have been the best team in recent times and we must respect that fact. Barca always inspires fear, especially in the final title race.

"But we have the occasion to win against a prestigious rival in order to qualify for the Europa League...we could make our fans enjoy a big party at El Madrigal."