FC Barcelona's La Liga match against CA Osasuna was abruptly postponed on Saturday, March 8, 2025, following the tragic passing of the club's first team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia. The news broke just 15 minutes before the scheduled kickoff at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, prompting the league to announce the postponement.
Minarro, who had been part of the Barça medical team since the start of the season, died at the team hotel earlier on the same day. Reports indicate he had joined the players for lunch and later passed away during the afternoon rest before the match, leaving the squad and staff reeling.
La Liga's official communication expressed its sorrow, saying, "La Liga laments the death of the FC Barcelona first team doctor, Carles Minarro, and informs us the game against Osasuna has been postponed for this reason." The prioritization of respect and mourning was evidently significant for the club, and the request for postponement reportedly came from the players themselves.
Club officials confirmed their condolences, stating, "FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the sad news of the death of first team doctor Carles Miñarro Garcia... The FC Barcelona Board of Directors and players express their utmost condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, joining them in mourning at this difficult time."
Osasuna, the away team, also offered their condolences, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity within Spanish football during such difficult times. Their president echoed this sentiment, affirming their support for Barcelona, stating, "Our club must stand by Barcelona's side and support them to overcome this difficult time." Even Barcelona's rivals, Real Madrid, expressed their sympathies with their president extending thoughts of comfort and condolences.
Prior to the postponement, Barcelona was positioned to potentially increase their lead at the top of La Liga. Currently, they hold just a one-point advantage over Atletico Madrid, who could seize the lead if they secure victory against Getafe on Sunday. The stakes were high for the reigning champions as they approached their match with growing anticipation and pressure.
Time will tell how this postponement will impact Barcelona's upcoming fixtures. After the international breaks, they are due to host Benfica on March 11 for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, where they currently enjoy a 1-0 lead from the first leg. Club insiders have not indicated any concerns about this upcoming encounter, but updates surrounding Minarro's death and any necessary changes to their schedule remain pending.
For other La Liga teams, the battle continues, as Valencia emerged victorious with a 2-1 score against Valladolid, and Celta Vigo showcased resilience, coming back from behind to win 2-1 against Leganes. Meanwhile, Deportivo Alaves managed to secure three points with a narrow 1-0 victory at home against Villarreal.
With Barcelona now left to navigate through the emotional aftermath of Minarro's sudden passing, all eyes will be on their next steps both within the league and on the European stage. The loss of such a key figure is felt deeply within the organization, particularly considering how closely Minarro was connected to the players and the larger club community.
The future of scheduling for Barcelona's match against Osasuna remains uncertain, but it is clear this moment goes beyond mere athletic competition; it is about honoring the memory of someone integral to the Barcelona family.