Barcelona will aim to continue their perfect start to the new La Liga season as they travel to Osasuna on Saturday. The Catalan giants are on a run of seven straight wins under new boss Hansi Flick following their 1-0 win over Getafe last time out. They now face an Osasuna side that have also made a promising start to the new campaign, but had to settle for a point after being held to a goalless draw by Valencia on Tuesday.
Barcelona's Record-Breaking Run
Barça come into this one having won their first seven games to begin the new campaign, and are just one victory away from equaling the record start made by Tata Martino’s 2013-14 side which won their first eight matches in the league. This impressive start is a testament to Hansi Flick's impact on the team, who has brought a new philosophy and a renewed sense of purpose to the squad. The Catalans have been playing with a fluidity and attacking intent that hasn't been seen in years. This dynamic style of play has resulted in an abundance of goals, with Barcelona scoring 23 goals in just seven games.
Osasuna's Home Advantage
Osasuna will be a tough test for Barcelona, however. The Navarra-based club has enjoyed a solid start to the season, especially at home, where they've picked up 10 points from a possible 12. They've established themselves as a formidable opponent, and their ability to press high and counter-attack quickly will pose a significant threat to Barcelona's high-line defense. While they haven't beaten Barcelona at El Sadar since 2011, they have consistently made the games close, refusing to simply park the bus and play defensively.
Key Players to Watch
Osasuna boasts a dangerous attack, particularly in the form of Aimar Oroz and Bryan Zaragoza, who can cause serious trouble for defenses. Oroz, a talented young midfielder, is known for his creative playmaking and ability to pick out incisive passes, while Zaragoza is a speedy and direct winger who can create chances and finish well. The team also features Ante Budimir, a proven goalscorer, who has the potential to disrupt Barcelona's backline. For Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski continues to be a threat, leading the La Liga goalscoring charts with seven goals in seven matches. With his clinical finishing and movement in the box, he'll be a constant worry for Osasuna's defense. Lamine Yamal, the young wonderkid, will be another key player for Barcelona. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for himself and teammates will be essential in unlocking Osasuna's defense.
Tactical Battle
The tactical battle between Hansi Flick and Vicente Moreno, Osasuna's coach, will be fascinating. Flick is likely to stick with his favored 4-3-3 formation, looking to maintain a high line and dominate possession. However, he will need to be wary of Osasuna's counter-attacking threats and ensure that his midfielders can control the game and protect the backline. Moreno, on the other hand, may choose to deploy a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation, which would allow his team to sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit Barcelona on the break.
A Must-Win for Barcelona
Barcelona will be favorites to win this match, but it won't be a simple victory. Osasuna is a well-organized and capable team that is capable of causing upsets. Barcelona's midfield will need to be extra careful and precise with their passing to maintain their dominance on the road and get an early goal or two to avoid another dramatic away game in Pamplona. A win would not only extend their perfect start to the season but also see them go seven points clear at the top of the table, putting further pressure on their rivals. The game also presents an opportunity for Barcelona to etch their names into the history books by recording their best-ever start to a La Liga season. The pressure is on, but with the momentum and talent they possess, Barcelona will be confident of coming away with a victory and continuing their dominant start to the campaign.
Prediction
The match promises to be an exciting encounter. Osasuna will be determined to put up a fight at home, while Barcelona will be looking to extend their winning streak and make history. A close game is anticipated, but Barcelona’s quality and experience should be enough to see them over the line.
Where to Watch
- United States: ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes
- United Kingdom: Premier Sports and Amazon Prime Video
- Ireland: Sky Ireland's Sports Extra pack
This match is available to stream in the US via ESPN Plus, which has live English and Spanish-language broadcast rights for La Liga in the States. ESPN's standalone streaming service costs $11 a month or $110 for an annual subscription.
If you find yourself unable to view La Liga matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the games -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
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Final Thoughts
Barcelona’s trip to Pamplona is a crucial match for them as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season. Osasuna will be a tough opponent, but with the quality and experience they possess, Barcelona should be able to overcome this hurdle. Whether they will be able to record an eighth straight win and equal their best-ever start to a La Liga season is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain, this encounter promises to be an exciting and entertaining affair. Let’s dance.
