Barcelona pessimistic as they await decision on new date for Osasuna clash after appeal | OneFootball

On Monday, the RFEF and La Liga announced that the postponed match between Barcelona and Osasuna will take place on 27 March.

The fixture had been suspended due to the sudden passing of the Catalans’ first-team doctor Carles Minarro. Neither club was in favour of this date, as it coincides with the international break, leaving them without key players.

However, the sole judge of professional competitions, Jose Alberto Peleez, justified his decision by stating that the match needed to be played as soon as possible.

He also rejected the request from both clubs to schedule it between Matchdays 37 and 38, arguing that it could disrupt the integrity of the competition.

Both Barcelona and Osasuna have submitted appeals and are now awaiting a resolution.

Barcelona not optimistic

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona are hoping for a swift decision following their appeal against the new date, but remain pessimistic about the chances of it being successful.

Head coach Hansi Flick was frustrated upon hearing the ruling and will have to revise his plans for the week if the decision is upheld while the club will also have to make logistical preparations if the match is played on Thursday, 27 March.

Barcelona vs Osasuna was postponed. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Additionally, if the judge does not change his decision, significant adjustments to the weekend fixtures will be necessary.

After all, Osasuna are already scheduled to play Athletic Club on Friday, while Barcelona face Girona on Sunday at 16:15 (CET). This would mean the Catalan club would not receive the 72-hour rest period between games.

Barcelona, for their part, have pointed to a precedent where a postponed match was played between the final two league rounds. In 2017, a match between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid was rescheduled due to safety concerns at Balaidos.

However, club officials remain pessimistic. They believe the match will likely go ahead as planned on 27 March, partly because Pelaez has already dismissed a similar appeal this season.

Real Sociedad had objected to playing a Copa del Rey fixture against Jove Espanol during an international break, citing the absence of multiple players, but Pelaez upheld his ruling.

If no changes are made, Flick will likely be without Ronald Araujo and Raphinha against Osasuna unless they receive a yellow card in their first international fixtures.