FC Barcelona is resuming their La Liga campaign after the international break with a match against Osasuna on Thursday. This game was originally scheduled for March 8th but was postponed due to the passing of Barcelona doctor Carles Minarro Garcia just hours before the intended kickoff. Both clubs appealed the rescheduled date, citing fixture congestion and the proximity to the international break, but La Liga rejected these appeals.
Barcelona will be without key players 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 on Tuesday night.
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. Barcelona will also play Girona at home on Sunday, while Real Madrid will host Leganes on Saturday.
How to Watch Barcelona vs. Osasuna
- 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 Osasuna`s stadium, El Sadar. Osasuna won the match 4-2, ending Barcelona`s perfect start under their new manager, Flick, who had previously won all seven La Liga games in charge in the 2024-25 season.
What FC Barcelona is Saying
Hansi Flick confirmed in a press conference that Raphinha and Araujo would miss the game. He explained their late return from international duty was not ideal for recovery. Flick also revealed that Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia would play in defense, with Cubarsi starting on the bench to rest but available if needed.
What Osasuna is Saying
Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno told the media that they are adapting their game plan as usual. He acknowledged Barcelona`s strength, especially at home, making it challenging for opponents to implement their strategies.
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: With Raphinha absent, young talent Lamine Yamal is expected to lead Barcelona`s attack. He has already scored six La Liga goals this season and recently scored a notable goal for Spain in the UEFA Nations League.
Storyline to Watch
FC Barcelona to Manage Absences: Barcelona faces a challenge coping with the absences of Raphinha and Araujo. Despite Barcelona`s request to postpone the game due to player fatigue after international duty, La Liga insisted on the original schedule. A win for Barcelona would give them a significant lead over Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid in the league standings.
Prediction
Despite missing players, Barcelona is favored to win at home and put pressure on Real Madrid before their Saturday game. Pick: FC Barcelona 2, Osasuna 0.
