Ferran replaces Raphinha and shines in another Barca win

There were obstacles ahead of Barcelona‘s game with Osasuna. The game between two teams was postponed due to the death of Barca‘s doctor but the rematch was scheduled for 27th of March, a date which didn‘t suit neither team. But La Liga didn‘t listen to the clubs, so angry coach Hansi Flick was forced to play without his star players Raphinha and Araujo. Both players were representing their national teams (Brazil and Uruguay) in the World Cup qualifiers on March 25. It was physically impossible for them to travel from South America and be available for the match. Apart from that, Robert Lewandowski was not 100% and Flick left him on the bench. But, there were positive sides too. Barca faced a team which did beat them 4-2 in the first match, but the Catalans have won their last four La Liga games against Osasuna, keeping a clean sheet in all of them. Ferran Torres continued his great record against the guests, scoring again in a comfortable 3-0 win and Lewa added another one from the bench.

Flick was forced to rotate but had to involve players like Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo, who played for Spain against the Netherlands four days ago (they game finished with a penalty shootout after 120 minutes). Torres scored after only 10 minutes from close range after great Balde‘s cross, and could add a brace minutes later, but Osasuna keeper Herrera made a great save. However, he did brought down Dani Olmo in the 18th minute and the referee gave the penalty to the Catalans. Osasuna‘s Moncayola's was too hasty and came to the penalty area too early. Herrera saved the penalty, but due to Moncayola‘s stupidity, he penalty was retaken and former Leipzig man scored for 2-0, before leaving the game due to an injury minutes later. Ferran continued with a great display and missed his second opportunity for a brace when his shot in the 40th minute rattled the crossbar.

Second half was less interesting in terms of tempo and chances and even thou Osasusa was an underdog, the guests did have two nice opportunities but even then they failed to even make a shot at Wojciech Szczesny. Barca was in total control and when Lewandowski came in as a sub, he immediately scored for the final 3-0. The Polish striker has already scored two more goals this season in LaLiga with FC Barcelona (21 in 25 games) than he did in the entire last campaign (19 in 35 games) and has scored in five of his last six games in the competition (five goals) and just added another one tonight. Both teams play again on Sunday, when the Catalans host Girona.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAYS 27 and 29

Thursday

Barcelona - Osasuna 3-0 (2-0)

/Torres 10, Olmo (p) 20, Lewandowski 77/

Saturday

16.00: (1.35) Sociedad (4.60) Valladolid (10.5)

18.15: (6.10) Espanyol (3.80) Atl.Madrid (1.60)

20.30: (2.30) Alaves (3.05) Rayo Vallecano (3.75)

23.00: (1.15) Real Madrid (7.75) Leganes (19.0)

***odds are subject to change***