Barcelona are entering an important phase of the season, with the club slated to face PSG in midweek, followed by the season’s first El Clasico next weekend.
That is why after the 5-2 win over Real Betis at La Cartuja, Barça’s plan was to return to Catalonia on the same Saturday night.
However, the club’s plans have been derailed due to weather conditions in Catalonia, which had earlier put Camp Nou on a stress test during the women’s El Clasico.
Barcelona were stuck in Seville for the night
Catalonia has witnessed incessant rain this month. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
As reported by Diario SPORT, the squad’s planned charter flight back to Barcelona was completely scuppered by the storm battering the region.
Barcelona have since officially confirmed that the team would spend the night in the Andalusian capital.
In a statement, the club explained that the severe weather affecting the city of Barcelona had made the return journey impossible, confirming that the squad would stay over in Seville, with no time yet set for a new flight.
The players had already boarded the plane at Seville airport but were unable to take off, as authorisation to fly to Barcelona was not granted.
Conditions at El Prat were causing significant delays to operations throughout the night. As late as 1am, the aircraft remained grounded, a wait that ultimately ended without departure and with the squad forced to remain in Seville.
A big blow for Barcelona?
Flick’s troops would have ideally liked to return to Barcelona on Saturday night. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The delay is far from ideal for a Barcelona side bracing themselves for their most demanding week of the campaign so far, with Flick’s side having just equalled the best league start in the club’s history.
A crucial Champions League meeting with PSG awaits on Tuesday, before attention turns to the Clasico.
The delayed flight means Barcelona have lost valuable time in making sure the players get enough rest before the midweek clash against PSG.
If Barcelona were able to return to Catalonia on the night, the players could have taken the night to rest properly before another flight to Paris. Those plans have now been delayed and it now remains to be seen whether the squad returns to Barcelona.