Ramadan is set to play a unique role during Barcelona vs Benfica in the UCL – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to play an all-important game in the UEFA Champions League against SL Benfica soon. Unlike the last time these two sides met, however, the venue will be different on this occasion. This time around, Benfica will be the visiting side while Barcelona have the home advantage.

However, there are certain things in the world that continue to go on whether or not football goes on or does not. One such thing is Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims all around the world and one during which they are supposed to fast from approximately sunrise to sunset.

It would just so happen that there are two players at FC Barcelona who are reportedly also fasting right now. The two players in question are Spanish forwards Lamine Yamal and Ansu Fati. While special measures have been taken in order to facilitate the fasting players, this upcoming game presents a unique challenge.

As highlighted by MARCA, the game between Barcelona and Benfica in the Champions League is taking place earlier than the usual kick-off time. This particular timing of the game has now led to both clubs needing to make special arrangements for their fasting players as well.

Unlike the previous kick-off time, which was at a point when players had typically already finished their fast for the day, this one will now see the fast conclude during the game itself. To be precise, the fast will over around seven minutes after kick-off in Barcelona.

This would mean that both Yamal and Fati, as well as Benfica players Kerem Akturkoglu, Orkun Kokcu, and Zeki Amdouni will also be breaking their fast soon after the game kicks off. Given that it would be their first meal of the day, the clubs will need to be careful about the kind of intake they consume in order to play the match well too.

During half-time, however, the players will likely eat something more energizing and play the second half with a better meal to help them through it. However, this new timing of the game is certainly one which has created its own unique kind of complications.