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.

#3 Manchester United vs Barcelona (UEFA Champions League), April 10, 2019 (Old Trafford)

Pogba would be leading United's charge at Old Trafford

Just four days after the match against Atletico clash comes this mega fixture in the Champions League quarter-final.

Barcelona would be seeking to make it to the semi-final for the first time in four years, having fallen at this stage to Atletico, Juventus and AS Roma in each of the last three seasons, while United would attempt to get to the last four for the first time since their runners up finish in 2011.

Both teams have had a markedly different campaign to this point, as whereas Barcelona have been almost impeccable from the start of the season, Manchester United started off rather poorly, with numerous negative of field incidents and poor results leading to the sack of Jose Mourinho.

Since Solksjaer's appointment, the English giants have seen an upturn in fortunes and as such, Barcelona would be wary of the threat posed by the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba.

#2 Barcelona and Manchester United (UEFA Champions League), April 16, 2019 (Camp Nou)

Messi has a good record against Manchester United

Six days later, both teams once more trade tackles in the second leg of this epic clash to determine who progresses to the semifinal.

Depending on results in the first leg, Barcelona would be seeking to consolidate with a home victory, while Manchester United would do all in their power to knock the five-time winners out on their own patch.

However, this is a task that is easier said than done, as the Camp Nou is one of the most legendary stadiums in the world and Barcelona have turned it into some sort of fortress.

To put how daunting United's task is into perspective, Barcelona are unbeaten at the Nou Camp since Bayern Munich's emphatic 3-0 victory way back in April 2013, a run which has seen the Catalans set a new competition record of 30 matches unbeaten (27 wins and 3 draws) since then.

Given that Barcelona are desperate to win the UCL, it stands to reason that they are the favourites to progress in this tie, but as this competition has shown us so far, the less fancied teams have pulled up some major shocks, while United caused an upset of their own in the last round against PSG and Barcelona would do well to watch out.

#1 Valencia vs Barcelona (Copa del Rey final), May 25, 2019 (Estadio Benito Villamarin)

Valencia await Barcelona in the cup final

Barcelona successfully saw off arch-enemies Real Madrid in the semifinal to set up a clash for the Copa del Rey title with Valencia who for their part eliminated Getafe to get to this stage.

This is Barcelona's record-breaking sixth consecutive final appearance, while they would be seeking to make it five on the trot to add to their overall record of 28.

It would not be easy pickings, however, as they come up against a Valencia side who have proved to be a thorn in Barcelona's flesh over the years.

Despite starting the season very poorly, Los Che have seen an upturn in performance levels and currently sit seventh on the league table, firmly in the race for a top-four finish.

If everything goes according to plan for Barcelona, they would have wrapped up the LaLiga title and made it to the final of the Champions League by the time this match takes place hence would be looking to achieve victory here for consecutive domestic doubles.

However, with players like Dani Parejo, Rodrigo and Kevin Gameiro, Valencia have the potential to hurt Barcelona and end their dreams of a third treble.

Edited by Debjyoti Samanta