Osasuna - Barcelona: La Liga Showdown at El Sadar Stadium
Match Preview and Latest Updates
On Saturday, September 28, CA Osasuna will host FC Barcelona at the Estadio El Sadar in a highly anticipated La Liga match. Here’s a detailed look at the teams, their current form, and what to expect from this encounter.
Current Form and Standings
FC Barcelona is on a remarkable run, having won all seven of their La Liga matches so far this season. This streak has kept them at the top of the table with 21 points, maintaining a four-point lead over rivals Real Madrid.
Osasuna, under the guidance of new coach Vicente Moreno, have had a solid start to the season, sitting seventh in La Liga with 11 points from seven games. They have been particularly strong at home, securing 10 points from a possible 12 at El Sadar.
Team News and Lineups
Barcelona is coping with several key injuries, including Frenkie de Jong, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Gavi, and Marc Bernal. Despite these absences, Hansi Flick has hinted at squad rotation to manage the workload. Pedri is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Ferran Torres, Pau Victor, Sergi Dominguez, Gerard Martin, and Pedri have been called up to the starting eleven. Robert Lewandowski, who has scored seven goals in seven league appearances, will likely lead the attack alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Osasuna, meanwhile, will be without long-term absentees Iker Munoz and Kike Barja. Coach Vicente Moreno has made five changes to the side that drew against Valencia, bringing in Ruben Garcia, Ante Budimir, and Bryan Zaragoza to form a fresh front three. Other changes include Pablo Ibenez, Juan Cruz, and Alejandro Catena.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between Osasuna and Barcelona heavily favors the Catalan giants. In their last 18 fixtures, Osasuna have managed only two wins and three draws, with the rest being Barcelona victories. Osasuna's last win against Barcelona in La Liga dates back to July 2020.
Venue and Kick-Off Time
The match will take place at Estadio El Sadar in Pamplona, Spain, with a kick-off time of 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT). This venue has become a fortress for Osasuna, but it will face a significant test against the undefeated Barcelona.
Coach's Perspective
Osasuna boss Vicente Moreno is aware of the challenge posed by Barcelona and has emphasized the need for a perfect match to secure a win. "There is a way to hurt them without a doubt and we have to try to find it, but we have analysed the match, prepared, we know where to defend and where to attack, but even so we have to play the perfect match to be able to win,” Moreno stated.
Broadcasting and Streaming
For fans in the UK and Ireland, the match can be watched on Premier Sports and Amazon Prime Video. In the USA, it will be available on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Other streaming options include Fubo and the ESPN App.
Predictions and Odds
Given Barcelona's current form and dominance, many predict a win for the Catalan side. Despite Osasuna's strong home record, the odds favor Barcelona, with predictions ranging from a narrow 2-1 win to a more convincing 3-1 victory.
As the teams prepare to face off, the stage is set for an exciting encounter that could see Barcelona equal their best ever start to a La Liga season from 2013-14. Will Osasuna be able to pull off a surprise, or will Barcelona's winning streak continue? The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans worldwide.