FC Barcelona next face up against CA Osasuna in their quest for La Liga Santander glory. The Catalans welcome the team from Pamplona to the Spotify Camp Nou, where a win would temporarily take the hosts 14 points clear at the top of the table with second-placed Real Madrid having a game in hand.
Match details:
Date: Tuesday, 2nd May 2023
Competition: La Liga Santander
Matchday: 33
Time: 07:30 pm CET
Venue: Spotify Camp Nou
Referee: Javier Iglesias Villanueva
VAR: Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea
Match Overview:
FC Barcelona head into this hotly anticipated clash up against the finalists of this season’s Copa Del Ray, CA Osasuna. A resilient opponent, as they have shown both in their various clashes in the league and the King’s Cup, Barcelona will need to stay on their toes to avoid dropping any points against this rather tricky opponent.
For the Catalans, a win against Osasuna at Camp Nou would help them secure a 14-point lead over Real Madrid for the moment, as their 2nd placed rivals from Madrid would have a game in hand against Real Sociedad from which they could once again reduce the difference in points.
On the other hand, Osasuna are essentially fighting in the league more or less as a requirement for competing, as their own true test lies waiting for them on the weekend against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Ray final. A final that for Osasuna showcases a chance at claiming a title for the first time since a 1st placed Segunda Division finish in the 2018-2019 season, as well as becoming potentially the first ever top-level Spanish title in their history.
In terms of form, FC Barcelona have managed 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss within their last 5 most recent league games, a slight dip in form that seems to now be picking up pace given a 4-0 thrashing of Real Betis in their previous La Liga outing.
With all of their primary players returning, bar an injured Sergi Roberto, Xavi Hernandez finally has his pieces in their respective positions and consequently, granted they are used correctly, could wreak havoc with them.
In the case of Osasuna, they have been displaying streaks of strong performances as they themselves have managed 3 victories and 2 defeats in their last 5 La Liga outings. The team from Pamplona will undoubtedly be a frustrating side to handle, and coach Jogoba Arrasate will do his best to ensure FC Barcelona do not have an easy time with them.
La Blaugrana currently sit atop the La Liga table and will be hoping to cement their place in 1st position as best as possible. A win will be their undoubted goal for this game, and with the personnel available, it should very much be a realistic task.