FC Barcelona is resuming their La Liga season after the international break, facing Osasuna on Thursday. This match is a rescheduled game that was originally planned for March 8th. The postponement happened due to the death of Barcelona doctor Carles Minarro Garcia just hours before the scheduled kickoff. Both clubs objected to the rescheduled date because of their already packed schedules and its proximity to the international break, but La Liga declined their appeals.
Barcelona will be particularly affected by the absence of Brazilian striker Raphinha and Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo. Both players were on international duty in South America on Tuesday night. Raphinha played in Brazil`s 4-1 defeat to Argentina, while Araujo played in Uruguay`s 0-0 draw 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 will be their 28th La Liga game of the season. This weekend, Barcelona will host Girona on Sunday, while Real Madrid will play Leganes at home on Saturday before Barcelona`s game.
Here’s what you need to know about the game:
How to Watch Barca vs. Osasuna, Odds
- 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 stadium, El Sadar. Osasuna surprisingly won 4-2, ending Barcelona`s perfect start to the season under their new manager. Flick had previously won all seven La Liga matches he had managed in the 2024-25 season.
What FC Barcelona are saying
Hansi Flick confirmed in a press conference that Raphinha and Araujo would not be in the squad for the game. He mentioned their long travel back and insufficient recovery time. Regarding Araujo`s absence, Flick revealed part of the lineup against Osasuna: `Inigo and Eric will play, and Cubarsi will be on the bench.` He added that being a substitute would allow the young defender to rest but be available if needed.
What Osasuna are saying
Osasuna`s head coach, Vicente Moreno, spoke to the media before the game, stating, `Something always changes, and this time will be no different. We prepared for the game last time as we thought best, and we will do the same tomorrow. We have a good idea of what we want to do, knowing that Barcelona sometimes allows you to execute your plan and sometimes doesn`t—like most teams. You just have to look at their La Liga results, especially at home, where they`ve had significant wins.`
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 will be expected to lead the attack in Raphinha`s absence. He has had an excellent season, scoring six La Liga goals in 24 games. He also recently scored a notable goal for Spain against Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, highlighting his importance to his team.
Storyline to watch
FC Barcelona need to cope with absences: As their manager pointed out, Barcelona faces a challenging game due to key absences like Raphinha and Araujo. Barcelona had requested a postponement from La Liga to avoid playing so soon after the international break, as many players returned to Barcelona only on Wednesday. However, La Liga refused, and the game is scheduled for Thursday. A win for Barcelona would give them a three-point lead over Real Madrid and a seven-point lead over Atletico de Madrid.
Prediction
Despite the absences, Barcelona is expected to win at home and put pressure on Real Madrid, who play Leganes at home on Saturday. Pick: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
