FC Barcelona resumes their La Liga campaign following the international break, facing Osasuna in a rescheduled fixture this Thursday. Originally slated for March 8th, the game was postponed due to the passing of Barcelona`s team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia, just hours before the anticipated kickoff. Both clubs contested the rescheduled date, citing fixture congestion and its proximity to the international window, but La Liga upheld the original decision.
Barcelona will be without key players Raphinha, the Brazilian forward, and Ronald Araujo, the Uruguayan defender, as both were on international duty in South America on Tuesday. Raphinha played in Brazil`s defeat to Argentina, while Araujo featured in Uruguay`s draw against Bolivia.
Hansi Flick`s Barcelona currently tops the La Liga standings, level on points with Real Madrid but with a game in hand. This Thursday`s match will be their 28th La Liga game of the season. This weekend, Barcelona will host Girona on Sunday, while Real Madrid will play Leganes on Saturday before Barcelona`s match.
Match Details: Barcelona vs. Osasuna
- Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
- Location: Estadio Olimpico Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Watch: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona -360; Draw +500; Osasuna +800
Previous Encounter
Barcelona and Osasuna last faced each other on September 28, 2024, at Osasuna`s El Sadar Stadium. Osasuna won 4-2, ending Barcelona`s perfect start to the season under their new manager. Flick had previously won all seven La Liga matches in charge for the 2024-25 season.
Barcelona`s Team News
Hansi Flick confirmed in a press conference that Raphinha and Araujo would miss the game. He mentioned their late return from international duty as impacting their recovery. Flick also revealed that Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia would start in defense, with Cubarsi on the bench to rest, but available if needed.
Osasuna`s Perspective
Osasuna`s coach, Vicente Moreno, stated that every game is different and they will prepare for Barcelona as best as possible. He acknowledged Barcelona`s strength, especially at home, which can disrupt opponents` plans.
Projected Starting Lineups
FC Barcelona: Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde; Pedri, Frankie De Jong; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez; Robert Lewandowski.
Osasuna: Sergio Herrera; Jesus Areso, Alejandro Catena, Jorge Herrando, Juan Cruz; Jon Moncayola, Pablo Ibanez, Aimar Oroz; Ruben Garcia, Moi Gomez, Ante Budimir.
Key Player Spotlight
Lamine Yamal, FC Barcelona: With Raphinha absent, young talent Lamine Yamal is expected to lead Barcelona`s attack. He has scored six La Liga goals this season and recently impressed for Spain, scoring against Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.
Match Storyline
Barcelona`s Absences: Coach Flick highlighted the challenge of playing without Raphinha and Araujo. Barcelona sought a postponement due to the quick turnaround after the international break, but La Liga denied the request. A victory for Barcelona would extend their lead over Real Madrid to three points and Atletico Madrid to seven.
Match Prediction
Despite missing key players, Barcelona is favored to win at home and increase pressure on rivals like Real Madrid, who play Leganes on Saturday. Prediction: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
