Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been rewarded for securing direct spots within the final 16 of the Champions League, with a lighter February schedule in comparison with Actual Madrid.
This distinction in fixtures may play a job of their respective performances and {qualifications}.
Whereas Barça and Atletico can have extra relaxation because of fewer matches, Actual Madrid face a way more demanding month, beginning with an .
A demanding scheduled
Actual Madrid’s February begins with a vital La Liga match in opposition to Atletico de Madrid at house on Saturday, eighth February.
Just some days later, they journey to the Etihad Stadium for the primary leg of their Champions League last-16 conflict with Manchester Metropolis.
The challenges don’t finish there; the next weekend, Los Blancos should face a troublesome journey to Osasuna, a workforce identified for its robust house performances. Madrid will then host Girona earlier than the return leg in opposition to Manchester Metropolis.
What about Barcelona and Atletico?
In distinction, Barcelona and Atletico profit from a comparatively calmer month, having fewer fixtures to cope with.
Each groups have two fewer video games to play, giving them extra time to relaxation and put together for the subsequent rounds in each home and European competitions.
Their focus will shift to the Copa del Rey, the place they are going to play their quarter-final ties subsequent week. Barcelona face Leganes, Atletico takes on Getafe, and Actual Madrid meet Valencia in what guarantees to be an thrilling knockout stage.
Extra matches on the horizon
If any of those groups make it to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, they are going to play the primary leg on Wednesday, twenty sixth February, only one week earlier than the Champions League last-16 first legs on 4th and fifth March.
The return legs will happen per week later, on eleventh and twelfth March. For Barcelona, February’s league fixtures appear much less daunting.
Their opponents embody Rayo Vallecano at house, Alaves at house, Sevilla away, and Las Palmas away. Solely Rayo Vallecano are presently within the high half of the desk, suggesting that Barça have a superb likelihood of securing invaluable factors.
