Barcelona’s Fixture Grievance: A Tight Squeeze Between Champions League and LaLiga Battles

The FC Barcelona camp is left with a sense of grievance following the scheduling revelation for their 26th LaLiga match against Getafe. LaLiga has set the encounter for Saturday, February 24th (16:15 CET), a mere 65 hours after the conclusion of the Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Napoli on Wednesday, February 21st (21:00 CET). This quick turnaround includes the consequential return journey. The decision seems to neglect the option for Barcelona to play in the league on Sunday, affording more rest, considering they won’t be engaged in Copa del Rey commitments the following week after their exit from the semifinals. In contrast, Real Madrid, having avoided midweek Champions League action, will face Sevilla on Sunday, February 25th (21:00 CET) at home.

This scenario stands in stark contrast to the previous week’s schedule. Real Madrid, after visiting Leipzig on Wednesday, February 14th, is set to play in Vallecas on Sunday, February 18th (14:00 CET) with an extra day of rest compared to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad, having faced PSG in Paris on Tuesday, February 13th, will not return to Liga action until Sunday, February 18th (18:30 CET) against Mallorca.