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Your Complete Guide to Barcelona Soccer Schedule 2020: Match Dates and Times
2025-11-15 13:00
As a lifelong Barcelona fan and football analyst, I still remember the electric anticipation surrounding the 2020 season before the world turned upside down. Having followed Barça for over two decades, I can confidently say this particular schedule was one of the most intriguing in recent memory, blending classic rivalries with unexpected challenges. Let me walk you through what made that calendar special, both on and off the pitch.
The 2019-2020 La Liga season kicked off on August 16, 2019, with Barcelona facing Athletic Bilbao—a match we narrowly lost 1-0, setting a surprisingly tense tone for the campaign. What stood out to me wasn't just the star-studded lineup featuring Messi and Suárez, but how the team's mentality echoed something I'd heard in sports psychology circles. I recall a quote from a coach who once said, "We have a mantra: 'stay focused, stay humble, stay hungry.' That's what we always remind ourselves." This philosophy felt palpable in Barça's approach, especially in those early matches where they balanced flashy attacks with gritty discipline. For instance, the 5-2 victory over Real Betis on August 25 was a masterclass in focus—Messi’s hat-trick wasn't just skill; it was a testament to staying hungry for goals even when leading comfortably.
By the time the Champions League group stages rolled around, the schedule intensified, with key matches like the September 17 clash against Borussia Dortmund ending in a gritty 0-0 draw. As an analyst, I noticed how the team’s travel logistics—crisscrossing Europe while maintaining domestic form—highlighted the "stay humble" part of that mantra. They couldn't afford arrogance, especially after stumbling in away games. Personally, I loved the December 7 El Clásico against Real Madrid, which ended in a 0-0 stalemate. It wasn't the most thrilling match, but it showcased tactical discipline over flair—something purists like me appreciate. The data backs this up: Barça averaged 65% possession in that game, yet it was their defensive focus that stood out, a reminder that humility in strategy often trumps brute force.
Then came the COVID-19 hiatus in March, which reshaped everything. La Liga was suspended after Matchday 27, and when it resumed in June, the schedule compressed into a frenzy. I’ll never forget the June 13 match against Mallorca—a 4-0 win that felt like a rebirth. The team had to adapt to empty stadiums, and it was here that the "stay hungry" ethos shone brightest. Players like Ansu Fati, then just 17, stepped up, scoring in the 79th minute of that game. From my perspective, this wasn't just luck; it was a hunger nurtured during the lockdown, where the squad trained in isolation, focusing on fundamentals. Statistically, Barça played 11 matches in 42 days post-hiatus, a brutal pace that demanded mental fortitude. I remember thinking how the mantra applied to us fans too—we had to stay focused on supporting the team through unprecedented times, even if it meant watching from our couches.
Looking back, the 2020 schedule was a rollercoaster, blending historic fixtures like the Copa del Rey (which Barça exited early in a shock loss to Athletic Bilbao) with pandemic-driven adjustments. The season culminated in an 8-game unbeaten run in La Liga, though they finished second to Real Madrid—a bitter pill for many of us. What sticks with me, though, is how that mantra resonated beyond the field. In my work, I've seen teams crumble under pressure, but Barça's ability to stay focused amid chaos, stay humble in victory, and stay hungry for redemption made 2020 a lesson in resilience. Sure, the data might show they conceded 38 goals overall, but the real story was in the spirit. As we move forward, I hope future schedules learn from this balance—because in football, as in life, it's the mindset that often dictates the outcome.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
