Barcelona is gearing up to return to the pitch with an unusual scheduling challenge in its quest to clinch the La Liga title. Hansi Flick’s squad will take on Osasuna at home on Thursday, March 27, in a match that had to be rearranged from earlier this month. The rescheduling has created a significant fixture congestion for both Flick and the players, putting them in a position to play seven matches in a mere 20 days across three competitions. This includes the crucial first and second legs of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund, which audiences can follow live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The unexpected pile-up due to the rescheduled Osasuna match has drawn Flick’s ire. Expressing his frustration, he remarked, “I’m not happy with this. When you observe how other leagues manage their teams, particularly those that participate in the Champions League, it’s markedly different from our approach here.” He emphasized the need to give Spanish teams adequate support in European competitions, stating, “It’s not about Real Madrid against Barcelona. It’s about protecting your Spanish teams to ensure their success. However, I cannot alter the situation.”
### What Led to the Rescheduling?
The Spanish Football Federation, known as RFEF, decided to move the original fixture to March 27. Both Barcelona and Osasuna expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision and jointly appealed to push the match to a later date in the season. The complications arising from the first leg of the Champions League knockout stages added to the dilemma.
### Player Availability Challenges
As the date approaches, selection challenges abound for Barcelona’s coaching staff, specifically with respect to the availability of key players. Notably, the absence of star winger Raphinha and defender Ronald Araujo, who participated in midweek FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Brazil and Uruguay respectively, is a significant setback. Flick confirmed their exclusion, saying, “No, they will not play, and also they are not in the team. They are out because they have the burden of a long flight.” He lamented, “It’s not the best scenario since they need time to recover and train ahead of upcoming matches.”
### Raphinha’s Impact This Season
Flick’s disappointment over the absence of Raphinha is understandable, especially considering the Brazilian’s impressive performance thus far in the season. Currently, Raphinha stands as joint fourth in the La Liga scoring charts with an impressive tally of 13 goals, while also ranking joint second for assists with eight. In fact, across Europe’s top five leagues—covering Spain, Germany, England, Italy, and France—he ranks seventh for total goals this season with 27 and is tied for second place in assists with 18.
In La Liga for the 2024/25 season, Raphinha’s statistics are impressive:
– Total Goals: 13 (equal 4th)
– Total Assists: 8 (equal 2nd)
– Combined Goals + Assists: 21
– Expected Goals (xG): 14.43
– Expected Assists (xA): 8.22
Furthermore, his overall performance across all competitions showcases his vital contribution to the squad, reinforcing why his absence will be felt deeply.
### Future Fixtures for Barcelona
Looking ahead, Barcelona finds itself at the pinnacle of La Liga, currently leading on goal difference ahead of rivals Real Madrid. However, they possess a game in hand that will soon become relevant with the upcoming fixture against Osasuna. Equally looming are matches in the UEFA Champions League, but Barcelona is also prepared for the pressing Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid, especially after a thrilling 4-4 draw in the first leg.
The complete schedule of imminent fixtures is as follows:
– March 27: Osasuna (H) – La Liga
– March 30: Girona (H) – La Liga
– April 2: Atletico Madrid (A) – Copa del Rey, semi-final, second leg (4-4)
– April 5: Real Betis (H) – La Liga
– April 9: Borussia Dortmund (H) – UEFA Champions League, quarter-final, first leg
– April 12: Leganes (A) – La Liga
– April 15: Borussia Dortmund (A) – UEFA Champions League, quarter-final, second leg
Fans can follow all the action of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+. This packed fixture list presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Barcelona, as they aim to maintain their title contention while navigating the complexities of a rigorous schedule.