Time to soar with three games at Montjuïc
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Time to return to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona side's next three games are at home, with fixtures against Valencia, Atalanta, and Alavés. Two LaLiga games to make the most of the Champions League energy, plus the final league phase match in Europe's premier club competition.
Different circumstances, but points needed
The three consecutive home games start with Valencia on Sunday 26 January. It's the first chance to get back to winning ways in LaLiga after the draw away to Getafe. Nothing but a win will do for the blaugranes in order to keep pace with first-placed Real Madrid and second-placed Atlético Madrid.
Three points against Valencia would be definitely worth their weight in gold, as they themselves are fighting to get out of the relegation zone in the table. They are currently on 16 points and four from safety. Barça on the other hand need to put a run of wins together to both reduce the five and seven point gap to the red-and-whites and all-whites respectively, and stop Athletic overtaking them in the table, who are currently tied on points.
Ensuring second place in the CL league phase table is a must
Another European game comes between the two domestic league matches at the Estadi Olímpic, as FC Barcelona welcome Atalanta to fulfil the final CL league phase matchday fixture. Wednesday 20 January will see the blaugranes wanting to channel the energy from the comeback win away to Benfica to end this phase of the Champions League on the up.
Already through to the last 16, with a play-off avoided, Barça aren't yet assured of second place in the table. Being just three points behind Liverpool means they could actually finish in top spot, with the blaugranes are currently ahead on goal difference. However, the chasing teams in third and fourth also need to be considered – currently Arsenal and Inter Milan – as they both have two points fewer.
As such, only a win would against the side from Bergamo would guarantee a top two position. Not an easy task against the team with a Greek mythological athlete on their crest who are striving to ensure they finish in the top eight positions themselves, and who have won all three away matches in this season's Champions League.
February begins with Alavés
Europe then paves the way for another month of games for Barça that begins with the visit of Alavés on Sunday 2 February (kick-off 2.00pm CET) for the LaLiga matchday 22 fixture. Yet another league match that requires full concentation, because the Basque side are striving to move away from the drop zone. They are currently in 17th, just one spot above the relegation places.
As such, the final home game of three in a row at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys is going to have an impact on league positions and Barça will be hoping to continue a winning run that keeps the pressure up on the teams above them in the table. Three key games at Montjuïc and the blaugranes will be looking forward to being back playing in front of their fans and feeling their support.
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