FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.02.2008 20:05

A key month ahead

www.fcbarcelona.cat

The month of February could prove to be a key month in FC Barcelona's season as the team will be playing to move forward in three competitions.

In the league, the Blaugrana began the month with an important win over Osasuna in Camp Nou, thanks to a late goal from Xavi, and moved to within just six points of league leaders Real Madrid.

Busy schedule

Barça's next league match takes place on Saturday, February 9 in the Sánchez Pizjuán when Frank Rijkaard's side go head-to-head with Sevilla. Only a few weeks ago, the two teams met in the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey and Barcelona progressed on a away goals after earning a 1-1 draw in Andalucia and a goalless draw at home. The following week throws up another tricky away game as the Blaugrana head west to meet Real Zaragoza in La Romareda on February 16 or 17. In the first meeting between the teams this season, Zaragoza lost 4-1 in Camp Nou.

Bonnie trip

After those two testing encounters, Barça then face a midweek exertion to Scotland where they are due to take on Celtic in Glasgow in the first leg of the first knockout phase of the Champions League. While the opening game is on Wednesday, February 20, the second leg will not take place until March.

Up for the cup

The following weekend, bottom-of-the-table Levante visit Camp Nou, in what will be the last league outing of the month. But there is still one more game to be squeezed in to the busy schedule as on February 27 Barcelona take on Valencia in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi final in Camp Nou.