Barcelona host Osasuna tonight with chance to go clear of Real Madrid | OneFootball

Barcelona return to La Liga action tonight against Osasuna in a rescheduled match at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The fixture was initially postponed following the death of club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, but its new placement immediately after the international break has frustrated both clubs.

Their appeals to move the game to a later date were rejected.

Barcelona enter the match in strong form, having gone 18 games unbeaten in all competitions.

They are level on points with Real Madrid at the top of the table, with a chance to move three points clear ahead of the weekend.

Before the break, Hansi Flick’s side delivered a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory against Atletico Madrid, further cementing their position in the title race.

That result followed a dominant 4-0 win over Real Sociedad and a hard-fought Champions League triumph against Benfica.

However, their schedule is now relentless. Thursday’s game marks the beginning of a seven-match stretch across La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey within just 19 days.

Flick has voiced his displeasure over the timing of the fixture, particularly with some players returning from international duty in less-than-ideal condition.

“They’re out,” Flick said of Raphinha and Ronald Araujo. “The flight is long, and it’s not the most optimal situation. They have to recover and train, and then we’ll see on Sunday.”

Despite having 11 other players involved in international action, including Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski, Flick insists Barcelona must push forward.

“It’s not the best situation for them, but we’re not making excuses,” Flick added. “The team is ready, and we have to go for it. The quality is there to compete.”

Osasuna will arrive in Barcelona desperate for an upturn in form. Winless in six matches, they have dropped to 14th in the table, just six points above the relegation zone.

Their recent struggles include defeats to Getafe and Celta Vigo and a 3-3 draw against Valencia, which exposed their defensive frailties.

However, they can take confidence from their 4-2 victory over Barcelona in September.

Barcelona have won their last four home meetings against Osasuna without conceding a goal, and a repeat would take them clear at the top before facing Girona on Sunday.