Barcelona’s bizarre run of fixtures in the coming weeks ft Real Madrid, Man United

Barcelona are going through an excellent phase right now. The Catalans have enjoyed a solid start to the year, with the club consolidating their position at the top of the league table while booking a place in the semifinals of the Copa Del Rey.

Various aspects of the club’s game have improved, including the defensive unit that is yet to concede in the last four competitive matches. It must also be noted that the club had to deal without the services of Robert Lewandowski in the last three La Liga matches.

This has led to the Blaugrana taking up a healthy five-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga table.

However, Barcelona should gear up for a busy phase as they take on a series of strong opponents and matches that could well determine their fate during the remainder of the campaign.

While Barça are coming on the back of yet another 1-0 victory over Girona, they will be pitted against Real Betis in their next La Liga contest. With only 14 goals conceded, Los Beticos are one of the strong contenders for a top-four place in La Liga this season and could give Barça a run for their money.

If the match against Real Betis was not enough, the Catalans will face another stern test in early February as they lock horns with Sevilla and Villarreal, respectively. Both teams are considered among the strongest in Spain and have what it takes to steal points off Barça.

After three consecutive tough games in La Liga, Barcelona will shift their attention to Europe as they take on Manchester United at Camp Nou on February 16, in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout stages.

It will be followed by another home game against Cadiz before the Blaugrana travel to Old Trafford to face United in the second leg of the knockout game. The two games against the Premier League giants in quick succession should put the team’s overall depth to the test.

Barcelona will sign off for the month of February with an away game against Almeria in La Liga before they take on Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey semi-final first-leg.

They kickstart March with games against Valencia and Athletic Bilbao before they once again face off their arch-rivals Real Madrid, this time in La Liga.

Evidently, fans are going to be treated with a myriad of El Clasico during the second half of the campaign, with the two teams slated to face each other three times. One would expect the outcome of those matches could gauge the success the club may enjoy this season.

Barcelona Fixtures

• 1/2 Real Betis vs Barcelona (La Liga)
• 5/2 Barcelona vs Sevilla (La Liga)
• 12/2 Villarreal vs Barcelona (La Liga)
• 16/2 Barcelona vs Manchester United (Europa League)
• 19/2 Barcelona vs Cadiz (La Liga)
• 23/2 Manchester United vs Barcelona (Europa League)
• 26/2 Barcelona vs Almeria (La Liga)
• 1/3 Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Copa Del Rey)
• 5/3 Barcelona vs Valencia (La Liga)
• 12/3 Athletic Club vs Barcelona (La Liga)
• 19/3 Barcelona vs Real Betis (La Liga)