Barça Returns to Camp Nou After 9 Away Matches
FC Barcelona is set to host Real Oviedo at the Spotify Camp Nou this afternoon. This match marks the team’s return after playing nine consecutive away games. The last home match took place on December 13, where Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory against Osasuna, highlighted by two goals from Raphinha.
Barça’s Journey Away from Home
Since the match against Osasuna, Barcelona faced various challenges on the road. They competed in:
- Two Copa del Rey matches: Deportivo Guadalajara (0-2) and Racing Santander (0-2)
- Three LaLiga matches: Villarreal (0-2), Espanyol (0-2), and Real Sociedad (2-1)
- One Champions League match: Slavia Prague (2-4)
- Two Supercopa de España matches: Semifinals against Athletic Club (0-5) and the final against Real Madrid (2-3)
This string of nine games, spanning four different competitions, reflects Barcelona’s strong performance. The team, under Hansi Flick, achieved an impressive record of eight wins and just one defeat, which came against Real Sociedad in their most recent league match. With 49 points, Barcelona currently leads the league standings and has qualified for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals against Albacete. Additionally, they claimed the Supercopa title for the second consecutive year.
Opportunities in Champions League
Presently, Barcelona occupies the ninth position in the Champions League standings but remains hopeful of advancing into the top eight during the upcoming match against Copenhagen.
Improvements to Spotify Camp Nou
This break from home games has also allowed for significant progress on the renovations at Spotify Camp Nou. Three major enhancements will be noticeable to fans during the match against Oviedo:
- Third Tier Completion: The new lateral tier is almost finished, with only select sections in the Tribuna and Gol Sur remaining.
- VIP Boxes: There have been substantial improvements to the VIP areas, including installations of glass that may be operational by the end of this season.
- New Facade: The stadium’s facade now features ceramic panels that will display the iconic blue and garnet colors, illuminated at night.
Fans attending the match will not only witness their team’s return but also the evolving physical landscape of one of football’s most revered venues.
