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28 March 2025

Barcelona Dominates Osasuna But Loses Olmo To Injury

Pablo Torre's rare appearance triggers payment to former club as Barça seeks to maintain momentum

In a thrilling encounter at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, FC Barcelona secured a 3-0 victory against CA Osasuna on March 27, 2025. However, the win came at a cost as they lost key player Dani Olmo to injury during the first half, sidelining him for at least a week. The match was pivotal for Barcelona, who aimed to extend their impressive unbeaten streak and maintain their position at the top of LaLiga.

Barcelona entered the match with a fierce determination to avenge their earlier defeat to Osasuna this season, where they had lost 2-4 at El Sadar. The stakes were high, especially after their recent comeback victory against Atlético Madrid, where they triumphed 4-2. This win not only boosted their morale but also reinforced their status as league leaders, having not lost a match in 2025, boasting 15 wins and 3 draws.

As the match kicked off, Barcelona quickly asserted their dominance, showcasing their attacking prowess. The team had scored an impressive 75 goals in their previous 27 LaLiga matches, the highest in the league, and they were determined to add to that tally against Osasuna, who had conceded 39 goals in the same number of games.

In the first half, Barcelona's offense was relentless. They managed to take 11 shots, outshooting Osasuna by five attempts. Their hard work paid off as they found the net multiple times, solidifying their lead. However, the match took a concerning turn when Dani Olmo, who had been instrumental in their attack, suffered an injury that forced him to leave the pitch. This setback raised concerns about the team's depth as they prepared for their upcoming matches.

Despite the loss of Olmo, Barcelona continued to press forward. Frenkie de Jong, who had been a key player in their midfield, was substituted after 45 minutes, likely with an eye on their upcoming Catalan derby against Girona. In his place, Pablo Torre made a rare appearance, marking his first game since January 26, 2025, and only his fourth appearance of the year.

Torre's entry into the match had significant implications for Barcelona's finances. Due to a clause in his contract with Racing Santander, Torre's participation for at least 45 minutes triggered a €1 million payment to his former club. This was the 10th time Torre had played 45 or more minutes for Barcelona since his arrival in 2022, bringing the total amount paid to Racing Santander to €6 million.

After the match, coach Hansi Flick expressed satisfaction with the team's performance but acknowledged the injury concerns. "We showed great character today, but losing Dani is tough for us. We need to regroup and prepare for the next challenges ahead," Flick stated.

As the match concluded, Barcelona's fans celebrated the victory, but the atmosphere was tinged with concern for Olmo's condition. The team now faces a crucial period as they aim to maintain their lead in LaLiga while dealing with injuries to key players.

The victory over Osasuna not only solidified Barcelona's position at the top of the league but also highlighted their resilience. The Catalans are determined to capitalize on their current form as they look ahead to the rest of the season.

In terms of statistics, Barcelona's strong offensive display was complemented by their solid defense, which has allowed only 27 goals this season, placing them fourth in the league in that category. Meanwhile, Osasuna, sitting in ninth place, has struggled defensively, with a goal differential of -6.

Looking forward, Barcelona's next challenge will be vital as they prepare for the Catalan derby against Girona. The match is expected to be fiercely contested, and Barcelona will need to adapt to their evolving squad dynamics, especially in light of Olmo's injury.

As the season progresses, Barcelona remains a formidable force in LaLiga, and their ability to navigate injuries and maintain their winning streak will be crucial. With the title race heating up, every match counts, and the pressure is on the Catalans to deliver consistent performances.

In conclusion, FC Barcelona's 3-0 victory against CA Osasuna not only reflects their current dominance in LaLiga but also raises questions about their squad depth and resilience in the face of injuries. The upcoming matches will be critical as they seek to secure their position at the top and aim for the championship.