4 AM Showdown: Barcelona's Revenge Match! Win = 3-Point Lead Over Real Madrid, Key Players Rested

At 4 AM Beijing time on March 28, Barcelona will face Osasuna at home in a pivotal La Liga match, with much more than just three points on the line. Having suffered a stunning 2-4 loss to Osasuna in the first leg of the season back in September, Barcelona is looking to avenge that defeat and reassert their dominance in the Spanish top flight. With both teams coming off international fixtures, this match promises to be crucial for the top of the La Liga standings.

The First Encounter: A Staggering Setback for Barcelona

The first leg of this season’s encounter saw Barcelona's unbeaten streak in La Liga come to a sudden halt. After a perfect seven-game start, they were humbled by Osasuna, who took a 4-2 victory in front of their home crowd. That loss not only disrupted Barcelona’s early momentum but also highlighted vulnerabilities in their defense, something they will be eager to rectify in this rematch.

Barcelona's strategy for this home game is clear: get the full three points and put themselves in a position to edge Real Madrid out of the top spot. Currently, both teams sit on 60 points after 27 matches, with Real Madrid having one more match under their belt. A win here would see Barcelona open up a three-point lead over their fierce rivals and tighten their grip on the title race.

Historical Head-to-Head: Barcelona’s Strong Home Record Against Osasuna

When it comes to head-to-head meetings between these two sides, Barcelona has historically had the upper hand. In their 98 encounters, Barcelona has won 58, drawn 19, and lost 21, scoring 219 goals and conceding just 89. At home, their dominance is even more apparent, with 33 wins, 4 draws, and only 5 losses in 42 encounters against Osasuna at the iconic Camp Nou. Their last home defeat to Osasuna came all the way back in July 2020, when they lost 1-2 in a rare slip-up.

This context gives Barcelona fans plenty of reason to believe that their team can bounce back and secure a vital victory. While Osasuna has performed well this season, sitting comfortably mid-table with 33 points from 27 games, they are not expected to pose the same level of threat at Camp Nou as they did in the first leg. Barcelona, especially at home, remains a formidable force.

Barcelona’s Recent Form: Unbeaten in 2025, Seeking to Extend the Streak

Entering 2025, Barcelona has been in exceptional form. Since the turn of the year, they have remained unbeaten in all competitions, including La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Their 18-match unbeaten run in 2025 has seen impressive wins in both domestic and European competitions, including a dominant victory over Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana and a significant triumph over Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Furthermore, they have impressively overcome Benfica in both legs of their Champions League group-stage encounter, further solidifying their status as one of Europe's top teams.

This consistent run has put Barcelona in a great position, and they will be aiming to continue their momentum against Osasuna. The Catalan giants have been brilliant at Camp Nou, and with their 2025 unbeaten record on the line, they have every reason to be confident heading into this crucial matchup.

Key Absentees: Resting Key Players for the Bigger Picture

In what will surely be a tactical decision to manage fatigue from the international break, Barcelona’s coach, Julian Frick, has confirmed that two of their most important players, Raphinha and Araujo, will be rested for this match. Both players are crucial to Barcelona's attacking and defensive structure, but given their involvement in international fixtures for their respective countries, Frick has decided that it is better to let them recover and avoid pushing them too hard.

Raphinha has been one of Barcelona's standout players this season, contributing 27 goals and 20 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. His performances have been instrumental in Barcelona’s success, but with such a grueling schedule ahead, especially with the business end of the La Liga season and the Champions League looming, Frick’s decision to rest the Brazilian winger is a necessary precaution.

Araujo, who has been a rock at the heart of Barcelona's defense, will also be absent. His leadership and ability to read the game have been critical to Barcelona’s solid defensive record, but the team will have to make do without him in this match. Fortunately for the Blaugrana, they have a wealth of defensive talent to cover for his absence, including Koundé, Garcia, and Martínez, all of whom are more than capable of stepping up to the task.

With these two players sitting out, Barcelona’s offensive line will be reshuffled. Ferran Torres, who has had a relatively quiet season, will take Raphinha's spot in the starting lineup alongside Lewandowski and the promising young talent Yamal. The trio will look to exploit Osasuna's defensive weaknesses and create plenty of chances for their side. Torres, in particular, will be eager to prove himself and show that he can be a reliable option in Raphinha’s absence.

Projected Lineup: Barcelona to Stick to Their Winning Formula

Given the reshuffling, Barcelona's lineup will feature Szczęsny in goal, with a back four consisting of Koundé, Eric Garcia, Inigo Martinez, and Balde. In midfield, Pedri, Gavi, and De Jong are expected to form the trio that will control the tempo of the game. Up front, Yamal, Lewandowski, and Torres will aim to provide the firepower to break down Osasuna’s defense and secure a vital victory for the Blaugrana.

The Importance of the Win: Top of La Liga and a Step Closer to the Title

For Barcelona, the primary goal in this match is clear: to grab all three points and put themselves in a commanding position at the top of the La Liga table. While Real Madrid may have a game in hand, a win here would propel Barcelona to 63 points, giving them a 3-point lead over their rivals. Given how tight the title race has been, especially with both teams in excellent form, every point counts in the final stretch of the season.

Moreover, securing a victory will help Barcelona continue their remarkable unbeaten streak in 2025. The longer they remain undefeated, the more confidence they will build as the season progresses. A win against Osasuna will also send a message to their competitors that they are serious contenders for the title and will not let up until the final matchday.

A Final Word on Barcelona’s Potential

This match against Osasuna is an opportunity for Barcelona to continue their momentum and prove that their success in 2025 is no fluke. With key players rested and the squad ready to fight for every point, Barcelona has the chance to push ahead in the title race. If they can maintain their form, keep their focus, and handle the pressure, they will remain a dominant force in Spain and Europe.

For now, it’s all about the revenge for that shocking 2-4 loss earlier in the season. Barcelona fans will be hoping their team can deliver a decisive victory and continue their charge toward another La Liga title. As the season draws to a close, it is becoming clearer by the week: Barcelona is a team on the rise, and their pursuit of glory is far from over.