Barcelona Faces Tough Test Due to Packed Fixture Schedule
Barcelona, the current leaders of La Liga, have little time to recover as they face Osasuna and Girona within three days, following a grueling international break that left their squad fatigued and coach Hans Flick frustrated.
Barcelona and Osasuna had to postpone their match originally scheduled for March 8 due to the death of the Catalan club’s doctor. With a congested calendar across all competitions, Thursday was the only available date to play the match immediately after the international break.
With 13 players returning from international duty, Brazilian winger Raphinha has not had enough time to recover for today’s game. Meanwhile, several other key players featured in the Nations League quarterfinals, which included extra time and penalty shootouts. Barcelona will play a match every three days until April 15, amounting to seven fixtures across three competitions.
After facing Osasuna, Barcelona will host Girona next Sunday before visiting Atlético Madrid three days later for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, following their dramatic 4-4 draw in the first leg.
Barcelona and Osasuna’s appeal to postpone the match was rejected, meaning Flick’s team will have to cope without Raphinha, who has scored 27 goals and provided 20 assists across all competitions this season. Raphinha’s leadership and outstanding form have made him a contender for the Ballon d’Or, but Flick expressed his frustration at being unable to field the Brazilian star today.
Midfielder Pedri commented: “We’re a bit tired, but we are Barcelona. If we have to play today, we will give our best to win the league.”
Barcelona has won seven consecutive league matches, but Osasuna was the first team to defeat them this season with a surprise 4-2 victory last September. Flick took responsibility for that loss, admitting that resting key players backfired. This time, however, he has no choice but to rotate his squad, especially with defender Pau Cubarsí injured during Spain’s recent international match.
Real Madrid will be watching Barcelona’s match closely, as both clubs are currently tied on 60 points at the top of the table.
