Barcelona welcome Osasuna on Saturday, in a match that arrives at a moment when Hansi Flick’s side are flying yet preaching caution. The Catalans have overturned a five-point deficit to Real Madrid and now sit four clear, but Flick insisted in Friday’s press conference that the team must focus on ourselves, not on Real Madrid.
He kept reminding everyone that December is far from the finishing line in a post shared by the club’s official X account. His comments came shortly after positive club updates reported by SoftFootball, including Eric Garcia’s delight at signing a new contract and Barça’s dramatic late surge to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2–1 in the Champions League.
Check the post below:
Those results have strengthened belief at the Estadi Olímpic, where Barça have won every league match this season. Softfootball also confirmed Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-awaited return to the squad after seven months out.
Osasuna arrive in better spirits than before, winning two straight league games and pushing themselves away from the relegation zone, although Flick’s warning still rings loud because he stressed that all matches are difficult if you’re not at 100 per cent.
Barcelona have scored 47 league goals already and play with an attacking energy that feels hard to contain, even if they do switch off defensively at times.
Osasuna’s away form remains troubling, but their ability to score early goals makes them a tricky opponent. Still, Barça’s home dominance in this fixture is overwhelming, with five straight home wins over Osasuna without conceding.
Team News
Barcelona remain without Gavi, Dani Olmo and Ronald Araujo. Marc-André ter Stegen is available again, although he may not start. Gerard Martin recently missed training due to illness but is expected to be ready.
Osasuna are missing Lucas Torro, while Bryan Zaragoza is out and Flavien Boyomo is a doubt. Ante Budimir leads the attack with steady confidence.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Pedri, E. Garcia; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; F. Torres.
Osasuna (4-2-3-1): Herrera; Arguibide, Boyomo, Catena, Bretones; Moncayola, Torro; Munoz, Oroz, Ruben Garcia; Budimir.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Barcelona’s attacking strength and home record should prove enough. Osasuna might score, but outlasting Flick’s side looks unlikely.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Osasuna
