FC Barcelona returns to La Liga action after the international break, facing Osasuna on Thursday in a rescheduled match. This game was originally set for March 8th but was postponed due to the death of Barcelona doctor Carles Minarro Garcia just hours before kickoff. Despite appeals from both clubs regarding the rescheduled date because of fixture congestion and the proximity to the international window, La Liga rejected the complaints.
Barcelona will miss key players Raphinha and Ronald Araujo for this match. Both players were on international duty in South America just days before the game. Raphinha played in Brazil`s 4-1 defeat to Argentina, while Araujo featured in Uruguay`s 0-0 draw against 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 is Barcelona`s 28th La Liga game of the season. This weekend, Barcelona will host Girona on Sunday, while Real Madrid plays Leganes on Saturday before the Barcelona game.
How to Watch and Odds
- 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, at El Sadar, Osasuna`s stadium. 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 managed in the 2024-25 season.
Barcelona Team News
Hansi Flick confirmed that Raphinha and Araujo would miss the game. “They are coming back from long journeys and their recovery isn`t optimal.” With Araujo out, Flick revealed that “Inigo and Eric will play, and Cubarsi will be on the bench,” adding that bench role was best for the young defender to rest, but he is available if needed.
Osasuna Team News
Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno told the media, “Things always change, and this game will be no different. We prepared for the original game as best we could, and we will do the same for tomorrow. We have a good idea of what we want to do, knowing that Barcelona is an opponent that sometimes allows you to execute your plan and sometimes doesn`t, like most teams. Their La Liga results, especially at home, show they are very strong.”
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 absent, Yamal will be key for Barcelona. He has been impressive this season with six La Liga goals in 24 games. He also recently scored a fantastic goal for Spain against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals.
Storyline to Watch
Barcelona to overcome absences: As Flick mentioned, Barcelona faces a challenge due to key absences, particularly Raphinha and Araujo. Barcelona wanted to avoid playing so soon after the international break, as many players returned to Barcelona just on Wednesday. They asked La Liga to postpone the match, but the request was denied. A win for Barcelona would give them a three-point lead over Real Madrid and a seven-point lead over Atletico de Madrid.
Prediction
Barcelona is expected to win at home despite the absences, putting pressure on Real Madrid, who play Leganes on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu. Prediction: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
