Osasuna vs. Barcelona: Everything You Need to Know Before the Showdown

Barcelona moved a step closer to La Liga glory last weekend, and could potentially seal the title if they defeat Osasuna on Saturday evening and other results fall in their favor.

Barça would also require local rivals Espanyol to do them a favor against Real Madrid on Sunday night. Should Madrid drop more points following a Barcelona win in Pamplona, Hansi Flick's squad will be confirmed as consecutive La Liga champions.

They've remarkably strung together nine straight league wins since their shock defeat to Girona in February, and Madrid's inability to find form at a crucial stage leaves them 11 points adrift at the top with five matches to play.

Osasuna were convincingly beaten 2–0 in the earlier meeting, though Flick's Blaugrana suffered a 4–2 loss at the Estadio El Sadar last season. Alessio Lisci's team are a formidable force at home, and are in the hunt for European football as a result.

After snatching a late win over Sevilla in their last outing, snapping a three-match winless run, Osasuna sit just two points behind Getafe — whom Barcelona defeated last week — in sixth place.

Osasuna vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

Title Celebrations Delayed

Much of the conversation in Catalonia is centered on Barcelona's summer plans, with the vast majority considering their title win a foregone conclusion.

It's shaping up to be another trophy-filled season for Flick's side, but the bitter disappointment of their Champions League elimination at the hands of Atlético Madrid will take time to fade. That sting will linger and somewhat overshadow the joy of lifting another La Liga title.

That celebratory moment may not even arrive this weekend, with Real Madrid facing an out-of-form Espanyol side with little to play for.

Prediction: Osasuna 1–1 Barcelona

Osasuna Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Academy product Iker Benito continues to be sidelined with a long-term knee problem. He tore his ACL back in October and won't return until the beginning of next season at the earliest.

Victor Muñoz had appeared to be a strong contender for a Spain squad spot at this summer's World Cup, but a calf problem has cast serious doubt over his inclusion. The 22-year-old attacker is unavailable this weekend, representing a significant setback for the home side.

However, top scorer Ante Budimir is fit and ready to play. He has netted 16 times in La Liga this campaign, and Osasuna's European ambitions for next season hinge almost entirely on whether he can maintain that form through May.

Osasuna predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Rosier, Boyomo, Catena, Galan; Moncayola, I. Muñoz; García, Oroz, Barja; Budimir.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Osasuna

Barcelona have been handed some welcome injury news, with Raphinha returning to training ahead of Saturday's fixture. That said, Flick is unlikely to hand the prolific Brazilian a starting role in Pamplona, preferring to have him fully fit for the following week's Clásico.

Barça are without Lamine Yamal for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Defender Andreas Christensen is available for the away side, while promising young midfielder Marc Bernal has also rejoined the squad and could be in contention for the Clásico.

To cover for the suspended Jules Koundé, Flick is expected to deploy the adaptable Eric García at right back. Captain Ronald Araújo is another option should João Cancelo be preferred on the left flank.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Getafe (4-2-3-1): J. García; E. García, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri; Bardghji, Olmo, López; Torres.

What Time Does Osasuna vs. Barcelona Kick Off?

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