Why Was Barcelona's Return Home Delayed After Facing Betis?
Barcelona was forced to spend the night in Seville after defeating Real Betis 5-2 due to heavy rainfall in Catalonia. Hansi Flick's team returned on Sunday and adjusted its preparations for the Champions League clash against PSG.
Barcelona faced an unexpected setback after securing an impressive 5-2 victory over Real Betis. Although the Catalan side had planned to return home on Saturday night, severe weather conditions forced the team to change its travel arrangements.
According to information provided by the club, the flight carrying the players and coaching staff was not cleared for departure from Seville because of heavy rainfall forecast in Barcelona and surrounding areas.
The weather conditions particularly affected coastal areas and regions near Catalonia's central coastline, including the area surrounding Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
Members of the Barcelona delegation remained on board the aircraft for some time while waiting for authorization to fly. However, when clearance was not granted, the decision was made to spend the night in Seville.
Catalan authorities had activated the alert phase of the Inuncat emergency plan due to the risk of intense rainfall, which was expected to continue until Sunday morning.
Barcelona Returned on Sunday and Adjusted Its Training Schedule
After spending an additional night in Seville, Hansi Flick's team finally landed in Barcelona around midday on Sunday.
The delay forced changes to the Catalan club's training schedule, as the team had originally planned to hold a session at 11:00 AM at the Joan Gamper Training Complex.
Instead of conducting its usual on-field practice, the players completed light recovery activities inside the facilities without stepping onto the training pitch.
The adjustment helped reduce the players' physical workload following the match against Betis and the overnight travel disruption.
Hansi Flick Prepares for Champions League Clash Against PSG
Barcelona's next challenge will come on Tuesday against Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning UEFA Champions League champion, at the Parc des Princes.
The Catalan side is scheduled to train at the French stadium on Monday at 6:30 PM Paris time, where the players will make their final preparations ahead of the competition's third matchday.
Before the training session, Hansi Flick and midfielder Pedri will hold a press conference to discuss the upcoming encounter.
Despite the weather-related inconvenience, Barcelona has now turned its attention to its next European challenge.
Key Takeaways
- Barcelona defeated Real Betis 5-2 in Seville.
- Heavy rainfall in Catalonia prevented the team from returning home on Saturday night.
- The players were forced to spend an additional night in Seville.
- The team returned to Barcelona around midday on Sunday.
- Hansi Flick adjusted the training schedule and arranged a light recovery session.
- Barcelona will face PSG on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.
