FC Barcelona enter the new year with a lot at stake with no break in between. The Catalan giants will be faced with one of their toughest challenges yet, and they must be prepared for it. For Barcelona, the very beginning of 2024 could define their season.
Already before the start of January, Xavi had been training his team non-stop. Recently, even the one day of New Year’s that could possibly have been given as a holiday was also allocated as a training day. Now, heading into January, the stakes are at an all-time high.
As highlighted by SPORT, January could decide three competitions for Barcelona. All three domestic competitions that Barça take part in this season could hypothetically meet their end in the very first month of 2024. The jam-packed start to the year could have La Blaugrana possibly play as many as 8 games.
Starting with La Liga, Barcelona have three different games to worry about. UD Las Palmas will be their first test, coached by a driven Garcia Pimienta. They would then take on Real Betis away from home as well on the 21st of the month. Lastly, a visit from Villarreal will conclude January for Barcelona.
Having already fallen behind both Real Madrid and Girona with a substantial gap to cover, Barça can afford no more mistakes. Any significant slips in any of these games could result in the Catalans losing all hopes of a league title.
Moving on to the Copa Del Ray, Barça’s first opponent right after Las Palmas will be Barbastro. Selected as the Round of 32 opponents for the Catalan giants, Barcelona will need to ensure victory here. Up until the semi-final point, every game will be a single-match elimination.
For this reason, zero margin of error is there once again for Barcelona. Following Barbastro, if they manage to win, La Blaugrana would also have two hypothetical matches in January for the Copa Del Ray. The Round of 16 match is scheduled for the 17th of January, while the quarterfinal would be on the 24th.
Lastly, the Spanish Super Cup will also be fully decided in the first month of 2024. Barcelona will take on CA Osasuna in Saudi Arabia on the 11th of January. In case they win, a final will be played on the 14th against either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
Thus, the month of January could more or less decide the entire progression of Barça’s season. The UEFA Champions League will resume in February, so the Catalans at least have some breathing room. However, Xavi will be counting on his team to now deliver when it matters.
