4 important fixtures that could have a major impact on Barcelona's season
Following an end to the first international break of 2019, all attention would once again turn to club football as Europe's biggest teams slug it out in the dying stages of the football season.
Almost all clubs have one objective or the other to achieve, ranging from battling to avoid relegation, to consolidating on European spots or even challenging for the title itself.
One club which finds itself still on a quest to achieve its pre-season objectives is FC Barcelona, as they are on course to win a treble this season, with the Catalans holding a significant lead in LaLiga, in addition to making it to the quarterfinal of the Champions League and final of the Copa del Rey.
Up till this point, Barcelona have had an almost perfect campaign, but they would have to maintain optimum performance levels if they are to make it all the way.
There are still some potentially tricky matches left for Barcelona to navigate and successfully doing so could be the difference between finishing on a high and going empty-handed. In this piece, we shall be taking a look at four matches which could make or mar Barcelona's season.
#4 Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid (La Liga), April 6, 2019 (Nou Camp)
Although Barcelona hold a healthy 10-point lead in the Spanish league, they would be wary of this clash against second-placed Atletico Madrid at the Camp Nou.
Simeone's men have been one of the most outstanding teams on the continent in recent years, but have massively underwhelmed so far this season, having been eliminated from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey, so in essence, they only have the league title to contest for.
Los Rojiblancos are without a victory over Barcelona in LaLiga since February 2010 (even though they've twice eliminated them from the Champions League in that time), but will be spurred on by the fact that Barcelona still have a lot of other competitions to worry about while they have nothing to lose.
A victory for the home side could potentially extend the lead on top to 13 points (depending on how results play out up till then), while a loss could reduce it to seven and open up the title race and as such, Barcelona would do well to watch out.