Barcelona will host Osasuna in a crucial LaLiga showdown at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys under the supervision of referee Mateo Busquets. The leaders of the Spanish Championship, Barcelona, currently hold a slender lead over Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, with 57 points.
Despite the absence of key players like Ter Stegen, Christensen, and Marc Bernal due to injuries, coach Hansi Flick’s side remains unbeaten in 2025 with 13 wins and 3 draws. The match is pivotal for their title aspirations. The weather is expected to be crisp at 10°C with few clouds, perfect for a high-octane encounter.
Osasuna, placed 11th with 33 points, has struggled to find form recently, failing to win in their last five matches. Barcelona, the bookmakers’ favorite at odds of 1.24 for a win, is expected to field a slightly altered lineup, possibly giving Ferran Torres a start in place of Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona vs Osasuna Prediction
| Osasuna +1.50 (AH) | 1.85 |
Osasuna +1.50 (AH) is a smart betting choice for this matchup. Here’s why:
- Recent Performance: Barcelona has been allowing goals in the final 15 minutes, which could keep the match closer than expected.
- Key Absences: Lewandowski might be rested, and key defenders are injured, potentially weakening Barcelona’s defense.
- Osasuna’s Competitive Spirit: Despite their recent form, Osasuna has managed to draw against b teams like Real Madrid recently.
Given the dynamics at play, this wager offers a balanced risk-reward ratio while considering both teams’ current forms and circumstances.
Barcelona Team Analysis
Barcelona Recent Performance WDWWW
Recent Form: Barcelona has showcased impressive form with four wins and a draw in their last five matches.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Barcelona | 0-1 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Real Sociedad | 4-0 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Atletico Madrid | 4-4 (Draw) |
| Las Palmas | Barcelona | 0-2 (Win) |
| Barcelona | Rayo Vallecano | 1-0 (Win) |
Barcelona has been an unstoppable force lately, going unbeaten in their last five matches and keeping four clean sheets. They’ve been scoring at an average of 2.4 goals per game, highlighting their attacking prowess. This run includes standout victories like the 4-0 demolition of Real Sociedad and their tight but effective 1-0 win against Benfica in the Champions League. With a solid defense and lethal offense, it’s no surprise they sit atop LaLiga.
Barcelona Key Players
Barcelona’s key players are fundamental to their recent success. Leading the charge is Robert Lewandowski, who has netted 21 goals this season. His battle against Osasuna’s central defenders, especially Alejandro Catena and Flavien Boyomo, will be crucial. Expected lineup for Barcelona:
- Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
- Defenders: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martin
- Midfielders: Marc Casado, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Dani Olmo
- Forward: Ferrán Torres
In midfield, the energetic Pedri is vital, offering creativity and dynamism. On the wings, Lamine Yamal’s pace and Dani Olmo’s technique can trouble Osasuna’s flanks. Their defense, with standout performances from Jules Kounde and Wojciech Szczesny, will aim to keep Ante Budimir in check.
Barcelona Suspensions & Injuries
Barcelona faces multiple injury concerns heading into this crucial match against Osasuna. Key absences include Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, both sidelined for the season with cruciate ligament injuries, and Andreas Christensen, who is out with a foot injury but expected to return in late March 2025. This means Barcelona will have to make tactical adjustments in defense and goalkeeping positions.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Marc Bernal | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Marc-Andre ter Stegen | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Andreas Christensen | Foot injury | Late March 2025 |
These absences could impact the team’s depth and stability, especially in their defensive setup. Coach Hansi Flick will need to rely on his squad’s versatility to cover these crucial roles and maintain their defensive resilience.
Barcelona Tactics and Formation
Barcelona Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Ferrán Torres
- Midfield Trio: Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Dani Olmo
- Defensive Strength: 4 clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Strong attacking football with an average of 2.40 goals scored in their last five LaLiga matches.
Under Coach Hans-Dieter Flick, Barcelona has maintained a consistent 4-2-3-1 formation. The double pivot in midfield, consisting of Marc Casado and Pedri, provides crucial balance between defense and attack.
With Robert Lewandowski expected to be rested, Ferrán Torres will lead the line, backed by a dynamic supporting cast in Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Dani Olmo. Their high pressing and quick transitions make them lethal in the final third, aiming to exploit Osasuna’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Defensively, Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi hold the fort with Wojciech Szczesny in goal, guarding against late-game lapses where Barcelona historically concedes the most.
Osasuna Team Analysis
Osasuna Recent Performance LDLDD
Osasuna’s recent form has been a mixed bag, showing a struggle to secure wins. Their last five matches have resulted in two draws, two losses, and one draw, indicating inconsistent performances.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Osasuna | Valencia | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Celta Vigo | Osasuna | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Osasuna | Real Madrid | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Mallorca | Osasuna | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Real Sociedad | Osasuna | 2-0 (Loss) |
Osasuna has managed to score an average of 1.00 goals in their last five games, but they have struggled to keep clean sheets. Their defense will need to be more robust if they hope to turn around their recent form and climb up the standings.
Osasuna Key Players
Osasuna’s top performer is Ante Budimir, who has been in fine form this season, netting 14 goals. His aerial prowess and physicality could pose a threat to Barcelona’s defense, especially in set-piece situations. Another key player is Jon Moncayola, tasked with controlling the midfield and providing crucial passes to unlock defenses.
Potential key individual battles include Budimir going head-to-head with Barcelona defenders like Pau Cubarsí and Eric García, and Bryan Zaragoza challenging Barcelona’s full-backs with his pace and dribbling skills.
Expected lineup for Osasuna:
- Goalkeeper: Sergio Herrera
- Defenders: Alejandro Catena, Jorge Herrando, Flavien Boyomo
- Midfielders: Jesús Areso, Jon Moncayola, Lucas Torró, Abel Bretones
- Attackers: Rubén García, Bryan Zaragoza, Ante Budimir
Osasuna Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Aimar Oroz | Hamstring Injury | Late March 2025 |
| Aitor Fernandez | Foot Injury | Doubtful |
Though Osasuna have no suspensions for the upcoming match, their injury list features some key players. Aimar Oroz, an influential midfielder, is sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to return in late March 2025. This will impact Osasuna’s midfield creativity and ball distribution. Additionally, goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez is dealing with a foot injury and remains doubtful for the match. His absence could affect Osasuna’s defensive solidity, compelling coach Vicente Moreno to make crucial adjustments.
Osasuna Tactics and Formation
Osasuna’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Defensive Line: Expected to deploy Sergio Herrera as goalkeeper, with a three-man central defense of Alejandro Catena, Flavien Boyomo, and Jorge Herrando. Jesus Areso and Abel Bretones will act as the wide midfielders, supporting both defense and attack.
- Midfield Duo: Jon Moncayola and Lucas Torró will focus on breaking up play and providing defensive cover.
- Attacking Midfield Trio: Ruben Garcia, Bryan Zaragoza, and Abel Bretones will aim to create chances and support the lone striker.
- Key Forward: Ante Budimir, who has netted 14 goals this season, will lead the attack.
Despite struggling for form lately, their emphasis will be on a compact defense while looking to exploit opportunities on the counter, relying on Budimir’s prowess up front.
Barcelona vs Osasuna Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Osasuna | Barcelona | 4-2 |
| Barcelona | Osasuna | 1-0 |
| Barcelona | Osasuna | 2-0 |
| Osasuna | Barcelona | 1-2 |
| Barcelona | Osasuna | 1-0 |
In the last five encounters between Barcelona and Osasuna, Barcelona has claimed four victories, showcasing their dominant form against this opponent.
Barcelona’s only loss came in their latest away match at Osasuna, which ended 4-2 in favor of the home team. Despite that setback, Barcelona has consistently edged out Osasuna, often keeping clean sheets.
These historical performances add an intriguing angle to the upcoming match, suggesting Barcelona holds a psychological edge.
Venue and Weather
Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys, home to Barcelona, boasts a seating capacity of around 55,000 spectators. Known for its electric atmosphere and passionate local fanbase, the stadium provides a significant advantage to the home team. On match day, the weather is expected to be calm and cool. With few clouds and a temperature of around 10°C, players can expect good conditions for play. Wind speeds of 1.59 m/s and 68% humidity shouldn’t pose much of a problem. However, the cool temperature can impact muscle flexibility and might necessitate a few more pre-game warm-ups, especially for Osasuna, who may not be as accustomed to these conditions. Overall, it’s a favorable setting for an exciting LaLiga encounter.
Barcelona vs Osasuna Live Streaming
FC Barcelona is set to face off against Osasuna in La Liga 2024-25 on Sunday, March 9, at 1:30 am IST at the Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys in Barcelona. You can catch the match live on the GXR app and website in India, but it won’t be available for telecast on TV.
