Barcelona will look to continue their perfect start in La Liga as they travel to Osasuna for their next league fixture on Saturday.The Catalans made it seven wins a row in the league by defeating Getafe 1-0 in their previous game. Robert Lewandowski scored the solitary goal to earn three points for the former champions.
On the other hand, Osasuna were held to a goalless draw by Valencia in La Liga in their last match.
Barcelona's Unbeaten Run
Barcelona, under new manager Hansi Flick, are looking to make history. They are currently on a streak of seven consecutive wins in La Liga, which has them sitting at the top of the table with 21 points. A victory in Pamplona would be their eighth straight win, a feat that would equal Barça's best ever start to a league season, a record they last achieved in 2013-14 under 'Tata' Martino.
Osasuna's Home Advantage
Osasuna, on the other hand, are enjoying a strong start to the season under coach Vicente Moreno, and are unbeaten at home. The team from Navarra have taken 10 points from a possible 12 in El Sadar so far, a record that has helped them sit in seventh position on the table as they welcome the blaugranes on Saturday.
Key Players to Watch
Barcelona boast a strong attack led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski, who is currently the leading scorer in La Liga with seven goals in seven matches. The Polish striker is in great form, and along with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, will be looking to break down the Osasuna defense.
Osasuna, meanwhile, have a number of key players who could cause problems for Barcelona. The impressive Boyomo marshals the defense, while the talents of Aimar Oroz in midfield and Ante Budimir and Bryan Zaragoza up front will be looking to exploit any vulnerabilities in the Barcelona backline.
A Tough Test for the Catalans
This match is not expected to be easy for Barcelona. Osasuna are a tough opponent, especially at home, and will be looking to cause an upset. The blaugranes, however, have a strong record against Osasuna in recent seasons, having not lost at El Sadar since the 2011-12 season. Since then, Barça have taken five wins and three draws, the most recent meeting last season seeing the blaugranes come away with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Kounde and Lewandowski.
Flick's Tactical Approach
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that he will make changes to his starting lineup for this game, with some players needing a rest after a busy schedule. Flick is likely to rotate his squad to ensure freshness and avoid injuries, while maintaining the team's strong form.
Osasuna's Threat
Osasuna, despite being a smaller club, have shown they can compete with the best in the league. Their strong home form suggests they could cause Barcelona some problems. They have a capable attack, and their defense has been solid, meaning they are not simply a team that will sit back and try to frustrate Barcelona.
A Potential Turning Point
This match could be a turning point for Barcelona. A win would extend their perfect start to the season and boost their confidence. A loss, however, could be a setback for the club, especially considering the injuries they are currently dealing with.
Live Coverage
Fans around the world can watch the match live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. The game will also be available on various other channels and streaming services depending on your location. Make sure to check your local listings to find out how to watch the action.
Conclusion
This match is a key encounter in the La Liga season. Barcelona will be looking to continue their strong form and make a statement, while Osasuna will be hoping to pull off a major upset. It promises to be a compelling encounter, with both teams having their own strengths and weaknesses to exploit. Only time will tell who will come out on top.
The Osasuna-Barcelona Battle
The stage is set for an exciting encounter in Pamplona. Barcelona, the reigning champions, are determined to maintain their dominance and aim for an eighth consecutive victory in the league. Osasuna, however, are a formidable opponent at home and are eager to prove their mettle against the league leaders. This clash promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both teams ready to fight tooth and nail for a valuable three points. The Osasuna-Barcelona battle is sure to be one of the most exciting matches in La Liga this weekend.
