Players at top European clubs have been very vocal about the tight schedule they are facing this season due to a series of additional events such as international competitions and the Club World Cup after the season ends.
Real Madrid publicly criticised the same issue earlier this month with manager Carlo Ancelotti slamming the authorities for placing the games with less than 72 hours between them.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will face a very busy schedule after the international break at the end of March and the series of matches have a break of less than 72 hours between them.
Making matters worse is how much is at stake on each game at this point in the season as more and more players are falling due to lack of rest and ultimately suffering injuries.
A Month of Non-Stop Matches
Barcelona’s marathon month has included a staggering seven games in just 20 days and perhaps nine in just 28. The numbers show just how flawed the current footballing system of competitions and match scheduling is.
Their schedule after the international break begins with a postponed game against Osasuna on Friday (28/3), after which they will have just 65 hours’ rest before facing Girona in the same competition.
They have 78 hours to recover from their next game, but face a tougher test against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals where they drew 4-4 in the first leg.
Then, 69 hours later, Barcelona are back in La Liga action at home to Real Betis. After that, they have just 96 more hours before another tough fixture.
The situation is far from ideal for Barcelona who have been tested by several players with injuries, they must find a way to navigate this difficult schedule as it could define their season in chasing trophies.
After that seemingly luxurious break, they will face Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League for the first leg, they will play in Spain first.
After that, they face Leganes in La Liga and a trip to Dortmund in the semi-finals with around 70 hours’ rest between both games.
Two games await the Blaugrana on the weekend (20/4) and midweek (23/4) against Celta Vigo and Mallorca. If Hansi Flick’s men qualify for the Copa del Rey final, they will also have to play that match on April 26.
Here’s Barcelona’s Tight Schedule, Which Will Face Nine Matches in 28 Days.
(28/3) Barcelona vs Osasuna
(30/3) Barcelona vs Girona
(3/4) Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona (Copa Del Rey Second Leg)
(6/4) Barcelona vs Real Betis
(10/4) Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund (Champions League First Leg)
(13/4) Leganes vs Barcelona
(16/4) Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (Champions League Second Leg)
(20/4) Barcelona vs Celta Vigo
(23/4) Barcelona vs Mallorca
