FC Barcelona Atlètic gears up for a pivotal match in their quest for a place in the promotion playoffs to La Liga SmartBank. With just five games left in the season, Rafa Márquez’s side currently sit third in the standings with 54 points.
The mission for Barcelona Atletic is quite straightforward and that is to secure every point in the remaining five games for this season. In a thrilling showdown, the subsidiary of Garnet and Blue will take on the eighth-placed Osasuna Promesas at the Johan Cruyff Stadium today at 6:30 p.m. (CET).
The Catalans, however, will miss the services of Arnau Tenas, who has been called up to the first team, and the suspended Diounkou, along with the injured Pelayo, Zalaya, and Rafús. On the opposing side, Jorge Herrando Oroz will be absent due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Only five games are remaining this season, which means five chances for Barcelona Atletic to determine their fate and solidify their playoff spot and edge for promotion. Three of these key matches will take place at home ground, Estadi Johan Cruyff, starting with a showdown against the formidable Osasuna Promesas.
Ahead of the encounter, Rafa Márquez acknowledged the challenge that Osasuna poses, stating that they are “a tough, difficult opponent, physically strong and possess a formidable aerial strength. They put a lot of pressure on their opponents and it will not be an easy game. But the team is in good spirits, and we hope to maintain our winning streak and continue our pursuit of the top spots.”
Marquez expects a rather challenging affair, similar to the nail-biting 0-1 victory in the initial round, where Juanda Fuentes scored the decisive and the only goal of the match. A nail-biting affair awaits and winning just the home games will make a top-five spot a guarantee for the Catalan’s subsidiary.