Hansi Flick’s Barcelona aim to continue their dominance at home, while a resilient Osasuna look to repeat their shock result from earlier this season. Expect an intense La Liga showdown on Thursday at Camp Nou between two sides with contrasting fortunes.
Note that this game should have taken place on 8 March but was postponed due to the death of Barcelona’s first-team doctor.
Barcelona vs Osasuna Preview
Barcelona enter this fixture with strong attacking form, having scored prolifically at home under Hansi Flick’s management. However, their September meeting with Osasuna sent shockwaves through the league as Osasuna produced a stunning 4-2 victory at home. That result stands as a reminder that Osasuna have the potential to upset the giants with their disciplined, counter-attacking approach.
Osasuna, known for their hard-working and organised style, will look to build on that upset. While not possessing the flair of Barcelona, the Navarrese side have shown they can frustrate even the most dominant opponents. Their ability to absorb pressure and hit on the break makes them a genuine threat, especially in matches where defensive concentration is key.
While Barcelona are top of the table and will be looking to pull away from Real Madrid, with whom they are level, 14th-placed Osasuna won’t make it easy. They are only six points off the relegation zone and will be hoping to put distance between themselves and 18th-placed Leganes.
Key Stats and Historical Data
- Reverse Fixture Highlight: Earlier this season, Osasuna stunned Barcelona with a 4-2 win, a result that adds extra intrigue to this encounter.
- Clean Sheet Trend: Three of the last five encounters between these two sides have ended with Barcelona keeping a clean sheet, underscoring the tactical battles and defensive focus in these matches.
- Barcelona’s Home Record: Barcelona have been prolific this season, averaging over 2.5 goals per match, but have occasionally been caught off guard by well-organised opponents.
- Osasuna’s Resilience: Osasuna have shown that they can disrupt the rhythm of even the most potent attacking sides. Their September performance has reinforced their reputation as a potential shock outfit.
Predictions for Barcelona vs Osasuna
Barcelona Win
With the backing of their passionate home crowd and Hansi Flick’s tactical acumen, Barcelona are favourites to secure a comfortable victory. Their expansive, possession-based game is expected to break down Osasuna’s defences, provided they remain focused and disciplined. They won the corresponding fixture last season 1-0 and are unbeaten at home this calendar year.
Draw
If Osasuna can replicate their impressive 4-2 upset and frustrate Barcelona’s rhythm, the match could end in a draw. A disciplined performance from both sides might see the game settle into a stalemate, especially given the tactical nature of recent meetings.
Osasuna Win
While an upset may seem unlikely, Osasuna’s ability to provide a shock is well documented. If they manage to exploit any lapses in Barcelona’s concentration and capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities, they could edge a narrow victory. Two of Osasuna’s last four wins against Barcelona have come at Camp Nou, the last one in July 2020.
Betting Tips
Barcelona to Win
Considering Barcelona’s strong home form and offensive firepower, betting on a Barcelona win in the three-way market offers attractive value. Six of the last seven games between the two sides have resulted in a Barcelona win.
Both Teams to Score
Both teams have scored in two of the last four fixtures between the sides, including Osasuna’s 4-2 win back in September.
Over 2.5 Goals
With Barcelona’s prolific scoring record at home and Osasuna’s potential to surprise with rapid counter-attacks, wagering on over 2.5 goals is an enticing proposition for punters.
Barcelona vs Osasuna – Head-to-Head and Key Stats
- Overall Head-to-Head: There have been 98 meetings between the two sides, with Barcelona winning 58 and Osasuna winning 21. There have been 19 draws. Osasuna’s win last time out is a rarity as Barcelona had won all of the preceding six fixtures. Indeed, Barcelona have won eight of the last 10 fixtures against Osasuna.
- Reverse Fixture: The standout moment of the current season was Osasuna’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona, proving their capability to upset the favourites.
- Defensive Trends: Three of the last five meetings between these sides have ended with Barcelona keeping a clean sheet.
- Recent Form: Barcelona have been in scintillating form at home, while Osasuna have shown resilience and the ability to catch opponents off guard with counter-attacks.
