As the highly anticipated Copa del Rey semi-final first leg between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid approaches this Thursday evening, the Catalan club finds itself grappling with a series of disruptive logistical challenges, entirely dictated by forces beyond its control. The team’s preparations for the crucial clash have been thrown into disarray, compelling a complete overhaul of their initial travel arrangements.
Originally, the delegation from Barcelona intended to depart for the Spanish capital on Thursday. This journey was planned following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Albacete in the quarter-finals, a result that secured their place among the final four. Their opponents, Atletico Madrid5-0 triumph over Real Betis.
However, forecasts from meteorological agencies, predicting severe weather conditions for Thursday morning, prompted the club’s management to advance their travel plans to Wednesday evening. Weather authorities in Catalonia issued warnings of powerful wind gusts potentially reaching speeds of 100 kilometers per hour, leading to the suspension of academic activities, public events, and sporting fixtures across the region.
Navigating the Turbulence
Faced with the looming threat of flight cancellations, Barcelona activated a contingency plan to travel on Wednesday. Departures remained possible from El Prat de Llobregat Airport, with all members of the traveling party instructed to prepare their luggage promptly for an imminent departure. Yet, even this adjusted strategy was ultimately thwarted by the deteriorating weather.
According to reports from Catalonia’s TV3 channel, the team’s takeoff was subsequently delayed for over an hour, a development that generated palpable anxiety among the coaching staff and players alike. This further complication now forces the club administration to reconsider and reorganize its plans once more before the squad can finally set course for the Spanish capital, adding an unwelcome layer of complexity to their pre-match routine.