Since Flick took over as coach last season, the Catalan giants won the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, and Copa del Rey in succession. Back then, they beat Real Madrid in each competition, but lost this autumn’s “El Clásico.”
There were other setbacks too, but their main rival also struggled at times. Eventually, after wins over Atletico and Betis, Barcelona managed to pull ahead and secure the top spot. There were also disappointing results in the Champions League: a 1-2 home loss to PSG, a 3-3 draw with Club Brugge, and a 0-3 defeat to Chelsea. Against Eintracht, they conceded first but ultimately won.
Last season in Pamplona, under Moreno, Osasuna collected 53 points—the same as Rayo Vallecano, but lost eighth place on tiebreakers. Liski took over as head coach this season, and things quickly worsened. That’s why the victory over Levante—ending 2-0—was so crucial. They also won earlier in the cup against Ebro.
The reigning champions are currently averaging 2.94 goals scored per match, but are conceding 1.25. Budimir and his teammates average 0.93 goals for and 1.20 against per game.
Barcelona have won seven of their last nine matches
75% of Barcelona’s matches end with both teams scoring and an average total of 4.19 goals per game
Osasuna are unbeaten in their last two games
40% of Osasuna’s matches end with both teams scoring and an average total of 2.13 goals per game.
Barcelona (possible lineup): Garcia – Balde, Martin, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia – Casado, Bernal, Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal – Lewandowski.
Osasuna (possible lineup): Herrera – Errando, Boyomo, Osambela – Bretones, Oros, Torro, Moncayola – Ruben Garcia, Budimir, Munoz.
After six consecutive defeats, last September Osasuna clinched a 4-2 win, but then lost again to the favorite.
