Big challenges coming up in February

There’s a busy February ahead at FC Barcelona, with six games in two different competitions, and all of them are high profile fixtures.

Atlético Madrid, Espanyol, Valencia and Athletic Club await in La Liga, and there’s a Europa League double header to comer with Napoli.

Three at home and three away

All times Central European Time

Sunday 6 February at 4.15pm: Barça v Atlético Madrid
Amazingly, this will be the first game of 2022 at Camp Nou. Barça, currently fifth, have the chance to move into the top four as they host the side directly above them in the table.

Sunday 13 February at 9.00pm: Espanyol v Barça
The city derby is always a pulsating affair. Barça had to work extremely hard to get the win at Camp Nou in Xavi’s first game in charge, and the task will be harder still when their local rivals have home advantage.

Thursday 17 February at 6.45pm: Barça v Napoli
A new experience for FC Barcelona as they play in this competition for the first time since the old UEFA Cup was rebranded. Napoli are second in Serie A right now, so this is going to be another tough test.

Thursday 24 February at 9.00pm: Napoli v Barça
The return leg in Naples. Remember, the away goals rule no longer applies in UEFA competitions after its fairness was drawn into question.

Sunday 20 February at 4.15pm: Valencia v Barça
Another of the classic games in La Liga. Valencia are not having the best of seasons, but this is never an easy away trip.

Sunday 27 February at 9.pm: Barça v Athletic
And to end the month, a clash against the same side that recently put Barça out of the Copa del Rey. If this game is only half as dramatic as that one, it’ll still be great one to watch.