FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.03.2009 11:35

Three competitions in eight days

Jordi Clos

With the cup semi final to come on Wednesday, Barça have played key games in the Champions League, League and Copa del Rey in the space of eight days, and all away from home.

The first of these three crucial away trips was to Gerland, where Barça started the knockout stage of the Champions League against Olympique Lyon. The winners of the least six French league titles went ahead through Juninho’s early free kick, but a second half header from Thierry Henry made it 1-1, a result that gives Barça the edge going into next week’s return at the Camp Nou.

Setback in league

The Champions League had to be set aside for the time being, because next up was a league match, and a trip to Madrid to face Atlético. In a spectacular match, braces from Forlán and Agüero cancelled out goals from Henry (2) and Messi. But it was only Barça’s third league defeat this season, and they are still four points clear at the top of the table.

Destination Palma

The third trip for Pep Guardiola’s side in just over a week takes them to Palma, where on Wednesday night (22.00) they face Mallorca in the Copa del Rey semi final. Barça have a 2-0 lead following the first leg at the Camp Nou a month ago, and so a place in the cup final is very much there for the taking.