This Thursday, at 9:00 PM, the match between Barça and Osasuna will be played, which was postponed due to the sudden death of Dr. Carles Miñarro. The match corresponds to matchday 27, so it will be played at Lluís Companys, a stadium that will be culé this season. It can be watched on DAZN La Liga and followed minute by minute through our social media @carpetasblaugranas
The match will be officiated by Mateo Busquets Ferrer, accompanied in the VAR by Iglesias Villanueva. Both remain, as they were appointed the first time to officiate it that weekend. It will be the fourth time he officiates both teams, this season he was in the Villarreal-Barça (1-4)
How Barça Arrives
The blaugrana team arrives at this match with some problems, and not precisely in sports. In theory, this duel was supposed to be played in the middle of the last two league matchdays, however, the Competition Judge has decided to change plans. This change causes the Osasuna match of matchday 29 to be moved, as it was going to be played on Friday against Athletic.
The pre-match press conference has been marked by this issue, the German coach knows that they only have to accept it and that they won't be able to change it. Regarding the break for national teams and the wear and tear, he trusts a lot in his staff to recover his players well, as they are "very professional". About having to adapt the training sessions, he has commented that he only thinks about this week and that, although it is not the best situation, they will adapt.
Regarding the line-up, the former Bayern coach has cleared up several doubts, the first is that neither Raphinha nor Araujo will play. The long trip they have made will prevent them from being in the squad, who will be there, but won't start, will be Cubarsí. The Catalan center-back will be a substitute to finish recovering, now the only doubt is whether Lewandowski or Ferran will play as the '9'.
How Osasuna Arrives
Vicente Moreno's 'boys' haven't had as much hustle with the national teams, but it has disrupted their preparation for this week. The Navarrese are not used to playing two matches a week, so it will be necessary to see how the team behaves. The good news is that they are in a complex situation, with only one victory in the last 15 matches.
The Navarrese coach has commented that the schedule they have now is complicated, but that those they face this week have been beaten by them this year. Regarding the season's objective, he believes that soccer puts you where you deserve, but what they want is to add up to "enter well into the last 10". Finally, he has been asked about the physical condition of his players, whom he sees as fantastic and in good condition.
The Navarrese also lose players for this match, the first is Boyomo, who after playing with Cameroon has a hard time being a starter. Bryan Zaragoza due to injury and Torró due to bookings won't be able to be in Montjuïc either.
Match Keys
Unit B: the League's decision causes Flick to have to resort to fielding a line-up that is not the stellar one. Therefore, footballers like Gavi or Eric García have a great opportunity to show their talent and why not, earn a spot in the XI. They should be joined by people like Ansu Fati, who could have minutes depending on how the match goes.
Solo Leadership: beating the 'rojillo' team would mean taking the lead alone, gaining three points over Madrid and 7 over Atleti. Emotional management must be important, as this match is key to achieving the league title. In front, they will have a great rival, who cut their unbeaten streak in the first round and who intends to repeat it in the second.
Budimir, the Threat: the Croatian forward will be the main offensive reference for the Navarrese, even more so when Bryan won't be able to play. Vicente Moreno will ask him to try to bring down as many balls as possible, to make a good second play. He will be the one everyone looks for both in corners and when elaborating a play, so the culé center-backs must be very alert.
Defensive Reliability and Accuracy Upfront: the best scenario for the 'culés' would be to have the match closed in the first 45 minutes. However, to achieve something like that, you need your defense to make as few mistakes as possible and your 'killers' upfront not to fail. For this, Eric and Iñigo must be strong at the back and the midfield must provide good balls to Lamine and company to overcome this tough match.
