The enforced break caused by the coronavirus pandemic halted football in Spain. Barcelona’s players are fueled with desire and excitement for their return.
After several weeks of no football on pitches and television screens for Europe’s big leagues, it has slowly made its return, with the Bundesliga in Germany leading the way.
Spain, a country heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic, recently put forth a plan for the country’s reopening, with its prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, announcing that football can return to Spain starting June 8.
The news have been very well received by players and managers alike, with multiple having voiced their happiness and excitement for returning to the pitch.
In Barcelona, the players have turned the enforced confinement due to the pandemic into something positive. Sources confirm to SER Catalunya that the time in confinement has helped the players mentally, saying that the squad is showing a lot of desire and hunger to return and compete for the trophies on the line, with Barcelona still very much in contention for both domestic trophies, as well as the UEFA Champions League.
Although much speculation has taken place, no official date has been set for the return of the Champions League yet, with Lyon’s president, Jean-Michel Aulas, having been contradicted by his own club merely a few days after stating that his side would face off against Juventus on August 7. The French club since denied the statement, saying no date was set. UEFA are moreover yet to make an official statement as Europe’s countries continue slowly reopening, with ensuring healthy conditions being of utmost priority.
According to multiple reports from Spain, the first game that will be played after LaLiga resumes could be El Gran Derbi between Sevilla and Real Betis. The two teams from Seville are far away from each other, with Sevilla in third with 47 points, and Real Betis sitting in 12th with 33 points. Despite the difference in points and their distant positions in the league table, the game is bound to be a heated encounter, with the clubs’ respective stadiums only being less than 5 kilometers apart.
