El Clásico and PSG double, the games that could define Barça’s season
As we move into the home straight of the 2023-34 season, every game is critical and this especially applies to FC Barcelona as the Catalan side still harbour dreams of catching Real Madrid who hold an eight point lead at the top of LaLiga with nine games outstanding.
After a home game against Las Palmas on the 30th of March, Xavi Hernandez’s side then embark on an intensive eleven day period with four games whose results will go a long way in dictating the outcome to their 23-34 campaign. The Blaugrana play PSG in the quarterfinals of the Champions League on April 10 and 16.
Sandwiched in between this PSG double is a trip to face Cádiz at the Nuevo Mirandilla in a match that will see the home side battling for points as they attempt to avoid the drop-zone. A win in Andalucia is imperative for Barça ahead of the Clásico on 21 April with the game offering the opportunity for the Catalan side to deny Madrid from putting points on the board and where only a win will do for Xavi’s side.
These will be eleven critical days that will require tactical precision from Xavi and his backroom staff in ensuring that the all members of the squad are rotated and ready for each test in optimum condition. The game against Cádiz is the only match where Xavi could call upon lesser used players.
The good news for the Catalan giants is the lack of league action in the first weekend of April as the 2024 Copa del Rey final between Athletic Club and Mallorca at La Cartuja Stadium takes centre stage on 6 April. This will allow precious time for key players to recover from a busy period that for many (Lewandowski, Gundogan, Lamine, Cubarsí) has included international action and will also permit added time for the likes of Christensen, De Jong and Ferran Torres to recover from their current injuries.
