FC Barcelona will host Osasuna in a La Liga match on Thursday, a rescheduled game originally set for March 8. The match was postponed due to the passing of Barcelona doctor Carles Minarro Garcia. Both clubs objected to the new date because of fixture congestion and its proximity to the international break, but La Liga denied their appeals.
Barcelona will be without Raphinha and Ronald Araujo for this game. Both players were on international duty in South America, with Raphinha playing for Brazil against Argentina and Araujo representing Uruguay against Bolivia.
Hansi Flick`s Barcelona are currently at the top of La Liga, level on points with Real Madrid but with a game in hand. This match against Osasuna is their 28th La Liga fixture of the season. Barcelona will then play Girona on Sunday, while Real Madrid will play Leganes on Saturday.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Olimpico Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Watch: ESPN+
Previous Encounter
Barcelona and Osasuna last played on September 28, 2024. Osasuna won 4-2 at home, ending Barcelona`s perfect start to the season under new manager Hansi Flick. Barcelona had won their first seven La Liga games of the 2024-25 season before that defeat.
Barcelona Team News
Hansi Flick confirmed that Raphinha and Araujo will miss the game. He explained that their long travels back from international duty impact their recovery. With Araujo absent, Flick announced that Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia will start in defense, and young Cubarsi will be on the bench to rest, but is available if needed.
Osasuna Manager Comments
Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno told the media that they are adapting their plans for this rescheduled game, similar to their usual approach. He acknowledged Barcelona`s strength, especially at home, making it challenging for most teams to execute their game plan against them.
Predicted Lineups
FC Barcelona: Szczesny; Kounde, Garcia, Martinez, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Fermin; Lewandowski.
Osasuna: Herrera; Areso, Catena, Herrando, Cruz; Moncayola, Ibanez, Oroz; Ru. Garcia, Gomez, Budimir.
Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, FC Barcelona: With Raphinha out, young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal will be crucial for Barcelona`s attack. He has already scored six La Liga goals this season and recently scored a notable goal for Spain against Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.
Key Storyline
Barcelona Dealing with Absences: Hansi Flick highlighted the challenge of playing this game without key players like Raphinha and Araujo, especially after the international break. Barcelona`s request to postpone the match was denied by La Liga. A win would give Barcelona a significant lead over Real Madrid in the league table.
Match Prediction
Despite missing key players, Barcelona are expected to win at home and increase pressure on Real Madrid.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
