Barcelona claimed an important win against Osasuna in their rearranged La Liga fixture, extending their lead at the top of the table to three points.
The match was initially set to take place on 8 March but was called off shortly before kick-off following the passing of Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia. The rescheduling of the game sparked frustration within the club, particularly due to its timing – coming just after the international break.
Scheduling criticism from players and manager
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick voiced his dissatisfaction with the new date, as several key players had just returned from international duty. Among those missing out was Raphinha, the team’s leading scorer this season with 27 goals, who had traveled back from representing Brazil.
Defender Jules Kounde also expressed his frustration, calling the decision “disrespectful” not just to the club but also to the players. “We are not machines,” Kounde told DAZN, highlighting the physical toll on players after long international matches. The French defender had played a full game plus extra time and penalties in his country’s Nations League win over Croatia on Sunday.
Barcelona dominate at the Olympic Stadium
Despite the circumstances, Barcelona controlled the game at their temporary Olympic Stadium. Ferran Torres opened the scoring, converting a cross from Alex Balde.
Shortly after, Dani Olmo won a penalty when Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera brought him down. Although Herrera saved the initial spot-kick, it was retaken due to encroachment, and Olmo made no mistake the second time. However, the midfielder’s night was cut short when he had to leave the field due to injury before halftime.
Substitute Robert Lewandowski sealed the victory with a powerful header, finishing off a well-executed counter-attack.
With this win, Barcelona sit three points ahead of Real Madrid and seven clear of Atletico Madrid. Their next challenge will be a La Liga encounter against city rivals Girona on Sunday.
