FC Barcelona is resuming their La Liga campaign after the international break, facing Osasuna on Thursday. This match is a rescheduled fixture originally planned for March 8, but it was postponed due to the unfortunate death of Barcelona doctor Carles Minarro Garcia just hours before the initial kickoff. Both clubs appealed against the rescheduled date due to fixture congestion and its proximity to the international window, but La Liga rejected both appeals.
Barcelona will be without key players Raphinha and Ronald Araujo for this game. Both players were on international duty in South America on Tuesday night; Raphinha played in Brazil`s defeat to Argentina, while Araujo represented Uruguay against Bolivia.
Hansi Flick`s Barcelona currently tops the La Liga table, level on points with Real Madrid but with a game in hand. This Thursday`s match against Osasuna is Barcelona`s 28th La Liga game of the season. This weekend, Barcelona will host Girona on Sunday, while Real Madrid will play Leganes on Saturday.
How to Watch Barcelona vs. Osasuna
- Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- 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 that match 4-2, ending Barcelona`s perfect start under their new manager, Flick, who had previously won all seven La Liga games.
Barcelona`s Perspective
Hansi Flick confirmed Raphinha and Araujo`s absence in the pre-match press conference, citing their long journeys back and insufficient recovery time. Flick also revealed that Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia will start in defense, with Cubarsi on the bench to rest but available if needed.
Osasuna`s Perspective
Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno told the media that while preparations change, their approach remains consistent. He acknowledged the challenge of facing Barcelona, a team that can disrupt opponents` plans, highlighting Barcelona`s strong La Liga results, 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: Yamal is expected to lead Barcelona`s attack in Raphinha`s absence. He has impressed this season with six La Liga goals and recently scored a notable goal for Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
Storyline to Watch
Barcelona`s Absences: Flick emphasized the challenge of playing without Raphinha and Araujo. Barcelona requested a postponement due to the short turnaround after the international break, but La Liga denied it. A win for Barcelona would give them a significant lead over Real Madrid in the La Liga standings.
Prediction
Despite the absences, Barcelona is favored to win at home and increase pressure on Real Madrid.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
Benedict Kingsley