FC Barcelona has always had a uniquely close relationship with its renowned Camp Nou stadium. However, as it currently undergoes renovations, the Catalan club play their football at the Montjuic Stadium.
While some may have been initially skeptical of how Barcelona could adapt to the new stadium, their doubts were soon put to bed. Prior to the defeat against Real Madrid, Barcelona had recorded 7 victories at the Montjuic from the 7 games they had played.
Five of those victories came in La Liga, and the remaining two came in the UEFA Champions League. However, Xavi’s men have since struggled following their defeat in El Clasico. La Blaugrana will be hoping to turn things around, and their very next match against Alaves could be the first step in the right direction.
Moreover, as SPORT highlights, Xavi and Barcelona will count on the magic of the Montjuic Stadium once again. Their great record in that stadium is something Xavi will want to continue while also giving a performance to match.
One key piece of what makes Barcelona feel strong regardless of where they play is Marc Andre Ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper is the regular Barcelona captain and his saves have been crucial thus far this season.
At the Montjuic stadium, the Barcelona keeper has conceded only 5 goals across 7 games. Two of those came from Real Madrid and Celta Vigo each. Another one came at the hands of Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
While these numbers are undoubtedly impressive, Barcelona still struggles to replicate the defensive rigidity of last season. This has cost the Catalans on several occasions already but Xavi Hernandez will want to correct that as soon as possible.
Since the game against Alaves is the last before the international break, Barcelona should be expected to give their all. With both Girona and Real Madrid having won their recent games, Barça will not want to fall behind.
