When the Wind Takes Center Stage: Barcelona Scrambles Ahead of a Copa del Rey Semi-Final Duel

Windstorm Hits Catalonia, Forcing Barcelona Travel Changes Ahead of Atletico Madrid Cup Semi-Final

A fierce windstorm swept across Catalonia on Thursday, prompting emergency alerts in several areas.

According to the Catalan sports daily Sport, the Civil Protection Agency urged avoiding nonessential travel and staying home as gusts far exceeded normal levels, causing incidents across the region.

The storm affected Barcelona, whose Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid is set for tonight at Wanda Metropolitano, leading the team to rewrite travel plans and advance departure to the capital.

Barcelona left yesterday on a charter flight to sidestep potential logistical problems due to the bad weather. This precaution allows coach Hansi Flick's side to prepare for the match as usual despite the conditions.

Regarding the club, the storm caused major damage inside the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex. RAC1 reported that a wall and part of the surrounding fence at the facilities on Francesc Masia Street in Sant Joan Despi collapsed due to the wind. Although no injuries were reported, workers remain on site to secure the fence and assess the damage.

The match is scheduled for 21:00 local time. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will proceed with safety measures in mind as officials monitor the weather dynamics. The clubs’ camps continue with storm-ready plans as authorities manage the situation.

Punchline 1: The wind’s the new left winger—unpredictable, relentless, and always in the air.

Punchline 2: If football were weather, we’d call this gusty affair a gust-of-war story—and yes, gravity is the true offside.