Football: Early kick-off not a problem for Barca

This will be the first time Barca plays mid-day kickoff since it was introduced by the league.

MADRID: Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba doesn’t believe the combination of Spain’s long journey to and from Qatar in mid-week and an early kick-off against Getafe tomorrow should unduly affect the Catalans.

Tomorrow’s fixture will be the first time Barca have played mid-day kickoff since it was introduced by the league at the beginning of last season.

But Alba doesn’t believe that should be used as any excuse should the league leaders fail to extend their nine-point lead over Atletico Madrid.

“Getafe are a very difficult opponent,” said Alba. “They are aggressive, have quality players and play good football. They will make things difficult for us, but the fact we are playing at 12 shouldn’t be any excuse.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2013.