Barcelona vs. Osasuna | La Liga | Pre Match
Barcelona vs. Osasuna
Barcelona will return to La Liga action for Thursday's rearranged meeting with Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, a fixture that carries significant weight for both teams as they navigate their respective ambitions and challenges this season. The match, originally scheduled earlier in the campaign, had to be postponed following the unfortunate passing of Barcelona's club doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia, an event that cast a somber shadow over the club and prompted a rescheduling of this encounter. Both Barcelona and Osasuna lodged appeals against the new date of March 27, citing concerns over its proximity to the international window, which often leaves players fatigued and clubs scrambling to reassemble their squads. However, their pleas fell on deaf ears, and the fixture was confirmed, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown at the iconic Estadi Olimpic. For Barcelona, this game represents more than just another league outing—it’s an opportunity to solidify their position at the top of the La Liga standings and keep their momentum rolling in what has been an impressive season so far. Osasuna, on the other hand, will arrive in Catalonia desperate to halt a worrying slide and upset the odds against a formidable opponent.
Barcelona are still very much in the hunt to add three more trophies to the Spanish Super Cup they secured back in January, a triumph that set the tone for what has been a remarkable campaign under the guidance of Hansi Flick. The Blaugrana have put together an astonishing 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions since their victory over Atletico Madrid in December, a streak that includes 15 wins and three draws, showcasing their resilience, attacking flair, and defensive solidity. This purple patch was briefly interrupted by the international break, but not before Barcelona navigated a crucial stretch of fixtures that tested their mettle and underlined their credentials as genuine title contenders. It all began with a thrilling 4-4 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie, a match that encapsulated the high-octane, end-to-end football that has become a hallmark of Flick’s tenure. From there, they shifted gears in La Liga, delivering a commanding 4-0 thrashing of Real Sociedad, a result that sent a clear message to their rivals. Their European campaign also gained momentum with a 4-2 aggregate triumph over Benfica in the Champions League, securing a quarter-final showdown with last season’s runners-up, Borussia Dortmund. The pièce de résistance, however, came just before the international break when Barcelona staged a sensational comeback from two goals down to defeat Atletico Madrid 4-2 away from home, a victory that not only highlighted their fighting spirit but also moved them four points clear of Diego Simeone’s side, leaving them level with Real Madrid at the summit of the La Liga table. With Thursday’s fixture being their game in hand, a win here could see them open up a three-point lead at the top, a tantalizing prospect as they chase their second league title in three seasons.
Encouragingly for Barcelona, their recent history against Osasuna at home provides ample reason for optimism as they prepare to welcome Los Rojillos to the Estadi Olimpic. The Blaugrana have won their last four home La Liga matches against Osasuna by a combined scoreline of 10-0, a statistic that speaks volumes about their dominance in this fixture. Their most recent home encounter, in January 2024, resulted in a narrow but hard-fought 1-0 victory, a testament to their ability to grind out results even when not at their free-flowing best. However, this season’s Barcelona side has evolved into a more ruthless outfit, and they will be eager to extend their winning streak to eight consecutive league victories. The international break, while potentially disruptive due to travel and fatigue for key players, may not derail their momentum given the depth and quality within Flick’s squad. That said, they are not without their injury concerns. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined, as does midfielder Marc Bernal, while Marc Casado’s season appears to be over after he suffered a knee injury in that dramatic win over Atletico Madrid. On a brighter note, Inigo Martinez has returned to training following a knee issue that forced him to pull out of Spain’s squad, and he is expected to be available. Young defender Pau Cubarsi, meanwhile, is racing against time to recover from an ankle injury sustained during Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final against the Netherlands, while Ronald Araujo and Raphinha, fresh off international duty with Uruguay and Brazil respectively, may be relegated to the bench due to their Tuesday commitments. Despite these challenges, Barcelona’s attacking options and tactical flexibility should see them through what promises to be a fiercely contested affair.
For Osasuna, the international break may have arrived at an opportune moment, offering a chance to regroup and reassess after a troubling six-game winless run across all competitions that has seen them slip into mid-table mediocrity. This poor sequence began with a Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Real Sociedad, a defeat that seemed to sap their confidence and set the tone for a frustrating period. In La Liga, they managed consecutive draws against Mallorca and Real Madrid, the latter a creditable result against one of the division’s heavyweights. Yet, rather than building on that resilience, Osasuna faltered, losing to Celta Vigo and Getafe either side of a chaotic 3-3 draw with Valencia. The defeat to Getafe was particularly galling—they squandered a half-time lead to lose 2-1, a result that left them languishing in 14th place and casting anxious glances toward the relegation zone. While they currently enjoy a six-point cushion above the bottom three, manager Vicente Moreno knows that this buffer could evaporate quickly without a swift improvement in form. The upcoming fixtures do little to ease the pressure, with daunting trips to Barcelona and Athletic Club looming large on the horizon. Historically, Osasuna have struggled at the Estadi Olimpic, with their last away win over Barcelona coming in July 2020—a distant memory that feels more like an anomaly than a blueprint for success. However, they can draw some encouragement from their 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the reverse fixture back in September, a match in which Ante Budimir’s brace, Bryan Zaragoza’s strike, and Abel Bretones’ late goal stunned the Blaugrana and handed Osasuna a rare triumph. Repeating that feat on Thursday will require a monumental effort, but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility if they can exploit any fatigue or complacency in the Barcelona ranks.
Osasuna’s preparations for this clash are not without complications, as injuries and suspensions threaten to undermine their already fragile squad. Bayern Munich loanee Bryan Zaragoza, a key figure in their earlier win over Barcelona, is doubtful after limping off in the closing stages against Getafe, a blow that could deprive them of his pace and creativity. Defender Enzo Boyomo, who has been on international duty with Cameroon, is due back in Spain on Wednesday, leaving his availability uncertain—manager Moreno may opt for caution and pair Jorge Herrando with Alejandro Catena in central defense instead. Adding to their woes, midfielder Lucas Torro will miss out due to a one-match ban after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season in the Getafe defeat, further depleting their options in the engine room. For Barcelona, despite their own injury concerns, the depth of their squad and their current form make them overwhelming favorites. Hansi Flick will likely demand focus and intensity from his players, knowing that a slip-up could jeopardize their position at the top. Osasuna, meanwhile, will need to summon every ounce of grit and guile to defy the odds and emerge with something to show for their efforts. As the two sides prepare to lock horns, this rearranged fixture promises to deliver drama, tension, and perhaps a few surprises under the lights of the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
