FC Barcelona resumes their La Liga campaign after the international break, facing Osasuna this Thursday in a rescheduled match. Originally set for March 8, the game was postponed due to the death of Barcelona doctor Carles Minarro Garcia shortly before the intended kickoff. Both clubs objected to the rescheduled date, citing fixture congestion and its proximity to the international window, but La Liga upheld the decision.
Barcelona will be without Brazilian forward Raphinha and Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo for this game. Both players were involved in South American international fixtures on Tuesday night; Raphinha played in Brazil`s defeat to Argentina, and Araujo featured in Uruguay`s draw with Bolivia.
Hansi Flick`s Barcelona currently leads La Liga, 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 plays Leganes on Saturday.
Here’s a look at the key storylines and how to follow the match:
How to Watch Barcelona vs. Osasuna
- Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
- Location: Estadio Olimpico Lluís Companys — Barcelona, Spain
- Watch: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona -360; Draw +500; Osasuna +800
Last Meeting
Barcelona and Osasuna last played on September 28, 2024, in La Liga at Osasuna`s El Sadar stadium. Osasuna won 4-2, ending Barcelona`s perfect start under their new manager. Flick had previously won all seven La Liga matches in the 2024-25 season.
Barcelona`s Perspective
Hansi Flick confirmed Raphinha and Araujo`s absence in the pre-match press conference, citing their long journeys and insufficient recovery time. Regarding Araujo`s replacement, Flick mentioned that Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia will start, with Cubarsi on the bench to rest but available if needed.
Osasuna`s Perspective
Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno stated in his pre-match press conference that while circumstances change, their preparation remains consistent. He acknowledged Barcelona`s strength, noting their ability to disrupt opponents` plans, especially at home.
Predicted 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.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, FC Barcelona: With Raphinha out, Yamal is expected to lead Barcelona`s attack. He has scored six La Liga goals this season and recently impressed for Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
Storyline to Follow
Barcelona`s Ability to Overcome Absences: Flick highlighted the challenge of playing without key players like Raphinha and Araujo. Barcelona`s request to postpone the match due to player fatigue after international duty was denied. A win here would extend Barcelona`s lead over Real Madrid to three points and Atletico Madrid to seven.
Prediction
Despite missing key players, Barcelona is favored to win at home and increase pressure on rivals like Real Madrid.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
Dominic Ashworth