Barcelona's postponed LaLiga match against Osasuna must be played on March 27, according to a ruling by a Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) judge. This decision comes despite both clubs contesting the rescheduling date, which falls immediately after the international break.
The original fixture was set for March 8 at the Olympic Stadium but was canceled just 20 minutes before kickoff following the tragic death of Barcelona's first team doctor, Carles Miñarro, who passed away on the day of the match.
Barcelona faces significant squad challenges for the rescheduled fixture as they could be without six first-team players due to international commitments. Brazilian winger Raphinha and Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo are particularly affected as they're scheduled to play World Cup qualifiers in South America on Tuesday, just two days before the Osasuna match.
Additionally, Gerard Martín, Fermín López, and Pablo Torre are all serving with Spain's under-21 squad against Germany on Tuesday, while Hector Fort will be playing for Spain's U19s against Latvia on the same day. Other squad members will be returning from various international duties earlier in the week.
The judge dismissed the appeals from both clubs on Thursday, emphasizing that the match must be played as soon as possible. The ruling supports the decision to schedule the game immediately following the current international break.
This rescheduling creates a demanding fixture congestion for Hansi Flick's side, who currently top the LaLiga table level on points with Real Madrid and four points clear of Atlético Madrid. The outcome of the Osasuna match could have significant implications for the title race.
For Osasuna, the rescheduling also presents complications as they were originally slated to face Athletic Club in the league on March 28, the day after the newly arranged Barcelona fixture. Thursday's resolution indicated that LaLiga had agreed to reschedule that game, potentially moving it to the following Sunday.
The scheduling challenge stems from a lack of available dates due to Barcelona's ongoing participation in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. Currently, Barcelona's only free midweek between now and the end of the season is in late May, just before the final LaLiga match—though this could change if they're eliminated from either cup competition.
Barcelona now faces an intense schedule with four games in nine days when club football resumes next week. After hosting Osasuna on Thursday, they welcome Girona on Sunday, travel to Atlético Madrid for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on Wednesday, and then return home for a league game against Real Betis the following Saturday.
The congestion continues with Barcelona hosting Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, followed by an away LaLiga match at Leganés, before traveling to Dortmund for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie.
