Osasuna vs Barcelona – News and Probable Lineups

Barcelona aims to inch closer to clinching the La Liga title as they visit Estadio El Sadar to face Osasuna on Saturday evening.

Currently, Hansi Flick’s team holds an 11-point advantage over second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings, while Osasuna sits ninth, just two points away from sixth-placed Getafe in their pursuit of European action.

Match overview

Entering this weekend, Osasuna comes off a 2-1 victory against Sevilla, keeping them in ninth place and just two points behind Getafe in the contention for European qualification for the 2026-27 season.

Los Rojillos have recorded 11 wins, nine draws, and 13 losses from their 33 league games this season. Their home form has been strong, accumulating 32 points from 16 fixtures, including nine victories.

Although Alessio Lisci’s side has secured only one win in their last four league outings, they have managed just one defeat in that span, contributing to an exciting race for the top six.

Historically, Osasuna has struggled against Barcelona, winning only 21 of their last 100 meetings, with a 2-0 loss in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

However, Los Rojillos did manage a recent home triumph over Barcelona, winning 4-2 back in September 2024, and Real Madrid will be hoping for a favor from Lisci’s men this time around.

This weekend, Barcelona could potentially secure the La Liga title. To achieve this, they need to defeat Osasuna on Saturday, moving their points total to 88. They will also need Real Madrid, currently on 74 points, to falter against Espanyol on Sunday night.

It seems more a matter of when, not if, Barcelona wins the championship, which could happen in El Clasico next weekend if this week’s fixtures do not resolve the title race.

The Catalan side has recorded 28 victories, one draw, and four losses across 33 league matches this season, racking up a total of 85 points. They have comfortably been the top team in the division for the 2025-26 season, leaving Real Madrid trailing behind.

Barcelona holds the best away record in La Liga this season, gathering 34 points from 16 games, scoring 35 goals along the way.

The main disappointment for the club this season has been their exit in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Moving forward, it’s crucial to make new signings this summer, including a top-notch center-back, to seriously contend for the European Cup in the upcoming season.

Osasuna La Liga form:

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Barcelona La Liga form:

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Barcelona form (all competitions):

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Team News

In terms of personnel, Osasuna will be without Iker Benito (knee) and Victor Munoz (muscle) for Saturday’s encounter, while Aimar Oroz (muscle) remains to be assessed ahead of the match.

Ante Budimir continues to shine for Osasuna this season, netting 16 goals in 32 La Liga appearances and is expected to play a pivotal role in attack once again.

There is optimism that Oroz will pass fitness tests, allowing him to take up the number 10 position, with Ruben Garcia likely to start on the left for the home side.

For Barcelona, Raphinha and Marc Bernal have both returned to training after overcoming injury issues, making them probable options for the squad this weekend.

Andreas Christensen is also making great strides in his recovery from a serious knee injury, but this match will come too soon for the Danish international.

Lamine Yamal is ruled out for the season due to a hamstring injury, and Jules Kounde will not feature due to suspension after receiving a yellow card during the 2-0 win over Getafe, which marked the ninth consecutive league victory for Flick’s side.

Eric Garcia, who was suspended previously, should return here, likely slotting in at right-back, while Roony Bardghji could earn another start on the right flank.

Osasuna probable starting XI:

Herrera; Rosier, Catena, Boyomo, Galan; I Munoz, Moncayola; Moro, Oroz, Ruben Garcia; Budimir

Barcelona probable starting XI:

J Garcia; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, Fermin; Torres

Barcelona is on a remarkable nine-match winning streak in the league; however, Osasuna has proven to be formidable at home, suggesting a likely draw, with the title race potentially being decided in El Clasico instead.