Barcelona ask Liga F to move Real Madrid clash to 19:00 amid weather alert

Barcelona have asked the Spanish women’s league association to delay Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid until 19:00 because of deteriorating weather conditions in Catalonia.

The match is due to be played at Spotify Camp Nou, but Barcelona are continuing to monitor the forecast closely as heavy rain is expected to worsen during Saturday afternoon and into the early hours of Sunday.

According to Sport, the club made the request for organisational reasons, saying it needs additional time to ensure the fixture can take place in the best possible conditions.

Authorities have raised their level of alert for the weekend, with several sporting events already being cancelled across Catalonia. The Catalan Football Federation called off all matches scheduled to start from 17:00 on Saturday in the areas of Maresme, Valles Occidental, Barcelona, Baix Llobregat, Alt Penedes, Baix Penedes, Garraf, Alt Camp, Baix Camp, Tarragones and Terres de l’Ebre.

The suspension of sporting activities will remain in place from 20:00 on Saturday until 14:00 on Sunday.

The coastal areas around Tarragona, Barcelona and Girona are expected to be affected most severely. The Catalan meteorological service has raised the danger level to 6 out of 6, while Civil Protection has activated the INUNCAT emergency plan.

Barcelona manager Pere Romeu said he had not been told that the game would be called off.

“I have no information indicating that the match will not be played. The focus is at its highest,” Romeu said.

He acknowledged that the weather could affect the experience for supporters, but suggested the rain might also give the fixture a distinctive atmosphere.

“It is unfortunate that sunny conditions make watching a match more enjoyable, but I want to encourage everyone because rain gives games more energy and adds an interesting emotional element,” he said.

“I hope that, despite the rain, people will be excited to attend.”