No squad announcement, no hotel visit: Barcelona make unusual change of strategy ahead of Real Betis clash | OneFootball

Barcelona are set to take on Real Betis this evening, in what will be the club’s final home game of the season and mark the Camp Nou farewell for Robert Lewandowski, who announced his desire to leave the club at the end of the season.

Beyond Lewandowski’s emotional farewell, the game does not hold much importance for Barcelona, as they have already secured the league title.

A change of routine

Lewandowski will play his last home game for Barcelona this evening. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona have made a series of unusual adjustments to their matchday preparations ahead of tonight’s fixture.

In a rather unusual fashion, the players will eat at their respective homes and travel directly to the stadium, skipping the usual gathering at 1:00 PM, and the team hotel stop altogether.

Additionally, there will be no official squad announcement before the match, another break from standard procedure since Flick’s arrival last season.

Barcelona’s relaxed strategy comes on the back of their title triumph against Real Madrid, with the Catalans having nothing left to play for.

Other changes vs Real Betis

Hansi Flick will be keen on securing all three points. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Off the pitch, the usual board luncheon will take place at a different venue, the Melia Torre Melina hotel, rather than the traditional location.

Neither Joan Laporta nor Rafa Yuste will be present, with directors Alfons Castro and Josep-Ignasi Macia representing the club instead

This is a drastic change of affairs for a team which will be playing its last home game of the season.

Even Real Betis, for that matter, do not have much to play for, as they cannot possibly go below fifth spot, nor can they catch up with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, who have a nine point lead heading into this matchday.