FC Barcelona is resuming their La Liga campaign after the international break, facing Osasuna on Thursday. This game is a rescheduled fixture originally planned for March 8, but it was postponed due to the passing of Barcelona`s doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia, just hours before the initial kickoff. Both clubs appealed the rescheduled date because of their already packed schedules and its proximity to the international break, but La Liga declined both appeals.
Barcelona will be without key players Raphinha, a Brazilian forward, and Ronald Araujo, a Uruguayan defender. Both players were on international duty in South America on Tuesday. Raphinha played in Brazil`s defeat to Argentina, while Araujo featured in Uruguay`s draw with Bolivia.
Hansi Flick`s Barcelona team currently tops the La Liga standings, 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 play Girona at home on Sunday, while Real Madrid will host Leganes on Saturday before Barcelona`s game.
Match Information: Barcelona vs. Osasuna
- Date: Thursday, Mar. 27
- Location: Estadio Olimpico Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
- Watch: ESPN+
- Odds: Barcelona -360; Draw +500; Osasuna +800
Previous Matchup
Barcelona and Osasuna last played on September 28, 2024, in La Liga at Osasuna`s stadium, El Sadar. Osasuna won 4-2, ending Barcelona`s perfect start to the season under their new manager, Flick, who had previously won all seven La Liga matches.
Barcelona Team News
Coach Hansi Flick confirmed that Raphinha and Araujo would miss the game in a press conference. He explained their absence is due to long travel and insufficient recovery time after international duty. Flick also mentioned that Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia will start in defense, with Cubarsi starting on the bench to rest but available if needed.
Osasuna Team News
Osasuna`s coach, Vicente Moreno, told the media that they are adapting their game plan as usual. He acknowledged Barcelona`s strength, particularly at home, making it challenging for opponents to execute their strategies.
Projected Starting 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.
Key Player to Watch
Lamine Yamal, FC Barcelona: Yamal is expected to lead Barcelona`s attack in Raphinha`s absence. He has had a strong season with six La Liga goals and recently scored for Spain in the UEFA Nations League.
Match Storyline
Barcelona Adapting to Player Absences: Barcelona faces a challenge due to the absence of Raphinha and Araujo. Despite wanting a postponement due to player fatigue after international duty, La Liga insisted the game proceed. A win for Barcelona would extend their lead over Real Madrid to three points and Atletico Madrid to seven.
Match Prediction
Despite missing players, Barcelona is favored to win at home and increase pressure on rivals like Real Madrid.
Prediction: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
