Madrid, April 18 (DPA) Barcelona have brought forward their journey to Milan from Monday to Sunday, because of the air traffic chaos affecting most of Europe due to the volcanic ash produced in Iceland.
Barca were planning to fly to Milan, for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan, Monday.
They decided late Saturday to bring the journey forward to Sunday, because of the news that both of Milan’s airports, Malpensa and Linate, are completely closed.
It is still not clear whether they will be able to fly out of Barcelona’s Prat airport. If so, they will fly to an airport in central Italy which has not been closed, such as Pisa or Florence, and then drive up to Milan by coach.
If they cannot fly out of Barcelona then they will drive to Milan by coach.
Barca are hoping to be the first team since AC Milan 20 years ago to win back-to-back European crowns.
Their only injury victim is little midfielder Andres Iniesta, now that left-back Eric Abidal and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic have regained fitness.
On Sunday Barca were held to a 0-0 draw by crosstown rivals Espanyol. This result leaves them four points ahead of second placed Real Madrid, who are at home to Valencia on Sunday.
rounak