Barcelona visits Osasuna this Saturday in Sadar with the mission of getting even closer to the LaLiga title, in a duel that will be played at 1:00 p.m. in Guatemala, waiting for what Real Madrid does on Sunday against Espanyol.
The accounts for Hansi Flick’s team are clear. Barça leads the championship with 85 points, eleven more than the white team, and needs five more points to secure the title. A victory, combined with a setback by Madrid, would leave them very close to being crowned for the second consecutive season.
However, the challenge will not be easy. Sadar brings back bad memories for the Blaugranas, since there they suffered their first defeat under Flick’s command, falling 4-2 last season.
For this match, the German coach will not be able to count on the injured Lamine Yamal and Andreas Christensen. Furthermore, Raphinha and Marc Bernal, although they already train with the group, are not in competitive rhythm and will hardly be starters. Jules Koundé will also not be available, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards after seeing the fifth against Getafe.
In contrast, Eric García returns after serving a suspension and could start, either as a right back or in midfield. In that area, Frenkie de Jong, already recovered, and Gavi, who has had a leading role in recent games, also appear as options.
In attack, Roony is emerging as the natural replacement for Lamine Yamal, while Dani Olmo aims to play as a playmaker. On the wings, Fermín could occupy the left sector, with Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres as a reference in the area.
For its part, Osasuna arrives with high confidence after its agonizing victory against Sevilla in the last minute, a result that keeps their European aspirations alive with five games left.
The rojillos also rely on their strength at home, as they are the fifth best team at home this season, a factor that complicates the outlook for Barcelona.
“I don’t think they will come distracted by the classic. Last year it was difficult for them here. They will come with everything and want to win,” warned Italian coach Alessio Lisci.
The bad news for Osasuna is the loss of Víctor Muñoz due to a muscle injury, which will force the attack to be readjusted. His absence opens the door for Raúl Moro, who aims to be a starter in an important opportunity to consolidate himself.
The winger, who arrived as a reinforcement in the winter, has been used mainly as a catalyst, but now he will have the opportunity to demonstrate his quality from the beginning.