Three talking points ahead of Osasuna vs Barcelona | La Liga MD34 | OneFootball

Barcelona’s 2-0 win away from home against Getafe last weekend was a statement from the Catalans as to why they are on the verge of being crowned the champions of Spain once more.

Playing without Lamine Yamal, the Blaugrana still managed to find openings to hurt the most defensive side in La Liga and put two past them on their home ground, widening their gap at the top of the table.

Now, they play another tricky fixture on the road as they lock horns with Osasuna in Pamplona, a clash Hansi Flick lost last season at the same venue.

A win could seal the title if Real Madrid drop points against Espanyol, and it is clear that a lot rides on the result.

Barça Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Osasuna vs Barcelona.

It could be the night

Recent months have not been sweet for Barcelona as they suffered heartbreaking exits from both the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. 

Where the team have maintained their consistency, however, is in La Liga, where they have been dominant, reliable, and predictably positive.

The Catalans are on a run of nine straight wins in the competitions, and Real Madrid’s slip-ups along the way have helped them establish a dominant lead on the table.

As it stands, they lead is at a healthy 11 points, but converting that into the title is where the crux moment lies. The time, ahead of the upcoming match day, could be now.

Barcelona are not guaranteed to win the league title tonight. However, they might just be able to seal the deal.

If Barcelona take all three points on the night against Osasuna and Real Madrid slips up against Espanyol away from home, the Catalans will be crowned champions. 

Even a draw for Real Madrid is sufficient for the title race to conclude, and given their recent form, nothing is a given.

Two massive returns

Raphinha and Marc Bernal will return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As the season reaches the tail end, Hansi Flick has largely enjoyed a fully fit squad at his disposal. Key absences like Raphinha and Marc Bernal, however, served as a major blow to their European campaign at a crucial point in the season.

While the damage is now done, the duo is set to return to action against Osasuna, and Flick will be delighted to have the players back in the dynamics for the final sprint.

Raphinha has been crucial for Barcelona over the past two seasons, though his participation in the current campaign has been limited by recurring fitness issues.

Bernal, meanwhile, recovered from a long-term setback and made himself a consistent and reliable performer in midfield only to face an untimely setback in recent weeks.

As the team reach out for the title, the manager will be delighted to have both Raphinha and Bernal back in action. Both players are unlikely to start but will have minutes off the bench if they are indeed back in the squad.

Caution for three stars

Barcelona’s next challenge in La Liga after the game against Osasuna will be against Real Madrid, and it remains to be seen what importance that game receives.

Frenkie de Jong is at risk of suspension. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

If Los Blancos drop points later this week and Barcelona win, the title race will be sealed beyond doubt. If both teams win or drop points, however, the title will be decided in El Clasico.

Regardless of whether or not the title race is sealed before the Clasico, Flick will want his best men available for the game next weekend for a win against Real Madrid would mean a lot to the dressing room after so many blows across competitions.

In that sense, it becomes essential that three Barcelona stars are on the verge of suspension in La Liga and will have to play with utmost caution against Osasuna.

Ironically, both players just returning from injury – Raphinha and Marc Bernal – are on four yellow cards each and will miss the Clasico if they pick up a booking tonight. Given that they are unlikely to start, however, that risk is significantly less.

The third player with four yellow cards is Frenkie de Jong, who is likely to start against Osasuna on Saturday night. 

Needless to say, the Dutchman must be wary of his situation and avoid a booking given how significant it will be for Barcelona to have him and Pedri available in midfield.