FC Barcelona 2013–14 Season Review
The 2013–14 campaign for FC Barcelona was a period of transition and high-scoring drama. Playing their home matches at the iconic Camp Nou, the club navigated a season marked by leadership changes in the boardroom and the continued brilliance of their attacking core.
The season saw a shift in presidency, with Sandro Rosell serving until January 24, 2014, when he was succeeded by Josep Maria Bartomeu. On the pitch, the team continued to rely on the extraordinary output of Lionel Messi, who remained the focal point of the squad's offensive strategy.
Key Facts
- Top Scorer: Lionel Messi led both the league (28 goals) and all competitions (41 goals).
- Highest Attendance: 98,761 spectators during the match against Real Madrid on October 26, 2013.
- Lowest Attendance: 25,551 spectators against Levante on January 29, 2014.
- Financials: Total spending reached €70.1 million, with specific expenditure noted at €39.1 million in early reports.
- Average Attendance: 72,441 (including the Joan Gamper Trophy).
Pre-Season and Early Friendlies
Barcelona began their preparations with a series of international friendlies. They faced Bayern Munich in the Uli Hoeneß Cup on July 24, 2013, at the Allianz Arena, resulting in a 2–0 loss. However, they found their rhythm in the VIF 100th Anniversary match, securing a dominant 6–0 victory.
The team also participated in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou, where they defeated their opponents 8–0, with goals from Messi, Sánchez, Pedro, Fàbregas, and Adriano. Their Asian Tour included a 5–1 win in the Chang Champions Cup in Thailand and a 3–0 victory in the CIMB Challenge Cup in Malaysia.
Domestic Campaign: La Liga and Copa del Rey
In La Liga, Barcelona displayed immense scoring power. A highlight of the season was the clash against Real Madrid on October 26, 2013, which drew the season's peak crowd of 98,761. Throughout the league matches, Messi's efficiency was unmatched, contributing to a high volume of victories across Spain.
The Copa del Rey provided a mix of dominance and disappointment. While they cruised through early rounds—including a 9–2 aggregate win over Valencia—they were eventually eliminated in the semi-finals by Real Sociedad, losing 3–1 on aggregate after a 2–1 loss in the second leg.
League Performance Summary
| Category | Detail/Value |
|---|---|
| League Top Scorer | Lionel Messi (28) |
| Overall Top Scorer | Lionel Messi (41) |
| Peak Attendance | 98,761 (vs Real Madrid) |
| Total Spending | €70.1 Million |
| Home Stadium | Camp Nou |
European Competition
In the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona showed strong form in the group stages, including a 3–1 win over Ajax and a 3–0 victory over Celtic. They progressed to the knockout stages, where they defeated Manchester City 4–1 on aggregate.
Their European journey continued with a victory over Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals, winning 2–1 on aggregate. However, the campaign ended in the semi-finals after a hard-fought series against Bayern Munich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the top scorer for FC Barcelona in the 2013–14 season?
Lionel Messi was the top scorer for both the league, with 28 goals, and across all competitions, with a total of 41 goals.
Who were the presidents of the club during this season?
The club was led by Sandro Rosell until January 24, 2014, after which Josep Maria Bartomeu took over as president.
What was the highest attendance recorded at Camp Nou that season?
The highest attendance was 98,761, recorded during the match against Real Madrid on October 26, 2013.
How much did the club spend in total during the 2013–14 period?
The total spending for the club during this period was €70.1 million.
Which match had the lowest attendance of the season?
The lowest attendance was 25,551, which occurred during the match against Levante on January 29, 2014.