Barcelona claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory against struggling Osasuna in their La Liga meeting at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Thursday night, 27 March.Â
By winning their game in hand, Hansi Flick’s side have claimed the top spot in the La Liga rankings, pushing arch-rivals Real Madrid down to second place. The Blaugrana, who have claimed 63 points from 28 games, have a three-point lead and a head-to-head advantage over Los Blancos.
Barcelona 3-0 Osasuna: Match Summary
Having served their countries during the recently concluded international break, many Barcelona players were not 100% for the rearranged game against Osasuna. Prioritizing their recovery, Hansi Flick fielded a much-changed lineup, resting Raphinha and Ronald Araujo while only introducing Robert Lewandowski off the bench.
Ferran Torres, who started in Lewandowski’s place, gave the Blaugrana a rapid start, firing them in front just 11 minutes in. Alex Balde found Torres with a low cross from the left, and the Spaniard made no mistake in turning it in.
Seven minutes later, Dani Olmo drew a foul from goalkeeper Sergio Herrera inside the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. The goalkeeper redeemed himself by leaping to his right and denying Olmo. Unfortunately for Herrera, the VAR intervened and penalised the Osasuna players for barging into the box before Olmo’s penalty. The kick was retaken, and Olmo managed to beat Herrera with his second attempt.
Barcelona got their last goal in the 77th minute, with substitute Lewandowski applying the finishing touch. Fermin Lopez swung in an excellent cross from the right, allowing Lewandowski to steer it in from close range.
With the summary wrapped up, let us take a quick look at Barcelona’s player ratings against Osasuna.
Barcelona Player Ratings vs Osasuna (3-0)
Wojciech Szczesny (6.5/10):
Barcelona’s Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny did not have to make a single save against Osasuna. He, however, showed some excellent footwork to evade pressure from opposing forwards in the first half.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
The French right-back got to stretch his legs against Osasuna. He completed 69 passes with 91% accuracy, created a chance, and linked up superbly with Lamine Yamal. He was also reliable at the back when needed, winning seven of nine duels, making four recoveries, and clearing the ball thrice.
Eric Garcia (7/10):
With Pau Cubarsi (injured) and Ronald Araujo (rested) not making the starting XI, Eric Garcia got an opportunity to show his quality. He was excellent on the ball, completing 86 passes with 95% accuracy, including five into the final third. He also read the game well, making five clearances and registering four recoveries.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Barcelona’s veteran centre-back, Inigo Martinez, got the license to push forward on Thursday night. He played 15 passes in the final third and won back possession with remarkable frequency. The Spaniard was also excellent in the air, winning four aerial tussles.
Alex Balde (8.5/10):
La Masia graduate Alex Balde got a much-deserved rest during the international break, as Spain boss Luis de la Fuente chose not to call him up for the Nations League quarterfinals. The freshness shone through on Thursday, with him looking like a live wire on the pitch. He provided a superb assist, created three chances, and completed 43 of 45 passes. Balde was also immaculate at the back, registering six recoveries and winning four ground duels.
There can be no doubt that Alejandro Balde is the best LB in world football.
At 21 years of age, he is one of the most complete LB’s I have ever seen.
The intelligence. Decision-making. IQ. A true technician. Powerful ball-carrier. Secure IP asset.
His ceiling is as one of… pic.twitter.com/gVgIaGALnh
— CounterPressers (@CounterPressers) March 27, 2025
Dani Olmo (7/10):
Dani Olmo botched his first penalty but remarkably held his nerve the second time around. He was enjoying his game until he picked up an unfortunate injury in the 27th minute.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Frenkie de Jong only played the first half, but it was more than enough for him to flex his purple patch. He dictated the tempo, completing 49 passes with 94% accuracy. The Dutchman also delivered three accurate long balls, won two tackles, and came out on top in five duels.
Pedri (8/10):
Pedri was omnipresent against Osasuna, covering every blade of grass and keeping the opposition on their toes. He played 89 accurate passes, created two chances, delivered six accurate long balls, and made seven recoveries. Remarkable.
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
There is not much to add about Barcelona wonderboy Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old was once again excellent on the ball, drawing cheers with each flick, feint, and pass. He completed a whopping nine dribbles (most), created the most chances with four, and won the most duels (9). He also had four shots but could not work the goalkeeper.
Ferran Torres (8.5/10):
Ferran Torres made the most of his opportunity on Thursday night. Playing 68 minutes, the 25-year-old scored a fine goal, hit the woodwork from a brilliant first-half free kick, and played a couple of passes into the final third. He also won five duels and drew four fouls.
Ferran Torres has only started 11 games for Barça this season yet he's their third-top scorer with 14 goals 🦈 pic.twitter.com/jzWju1Qb7y
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 27, 2025
Gavi (7.5/10):
Slowly coming into the fold after last season’s ACL injury, Gavi put in a confident shift against Osasuna. He played 71 accurate passes, completed two dribbles, won five of six ground duels, and made four recoveries.
Barcelona Substitutes’ Player Ratings vs Osasuna
Fermin Lopez (28′) (8/10): Replacing the unfortunate Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez produced a brilliant performance in midfield. He assisted Robert Lewandowski, created two chances, and won the most tackles in the game (3).
Pablo Torre (46′) (6.5/10): Pablo Torre was not at his best against Osasuna. He lost two of three duels, was dispossessed, and misplaced all three of his attempted crosses.
Robert Lewandowski (68′) (7.5/10): The Polish striker took nine minutes to get on the scoresheet on Thursday night. In addition to scoring a fine header, the 36-year-old created a chance and completed 11 passes.
Gerard Martin (83′) and Pau Victor (84′): Not enough time to make an impact.
