Barcelona strengthens La Liga lead with unwanted victory.

BARCELONA March 29, 2025: Barcelona secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Osasuna, extending their unbeaten run to 19 matches and moving three points clear at the top of La Liga, despite frustration over the rescheduled fixture.

The Catalan club's appeal against playing on Thursday was rejected, but Hansi Flick's side comfortably handled 14th-placed Osasuna. Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo scored in the first half, while Robert Lewandowski added a third after the break.

Barca were without Raphinha, who was on international duty with Brazil, yet controlled the match with ease at the Olympic Stadium. However, the win came at a cost as Olmo suffered an injury.

"We have three points more, but we paid a high price with Dani's injury," Flick said. "If he's out for two or three weeks, he'll miss a lot of games."

The match was originally scheduled for March 8 but was postponed following the death of a Barcelona club doctor. Several players, including Jules Koundé, had just played 120 minutes for their national teams before returning for the game.

"It's a lack of respect to the club to select this date," Koundé told DAZN. "We're not machines—we need rest to perform for the fans."

Flick rested Lewandowski, starting Torres in his place, which proved effective. Barcelona took the lead in the 11th minute when Frenkie de Jong initiated a move that saw Alejandro Balde deliver a dangerous low cross, allowing Torres to stab home.

Torres nearly doubled the lead after a brilliant ball from Lamine Yamal, but goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made a crucial save. However, Herrera later fouled Olmo, conceding a penalty. Though he saved Olmo’s initial spot kick, a re-take was ordered due to encroachment, and Olmo converted on the second attempt.

Olmo was forced off injured soon after, with Flick visibly frustrated as Barcelona faced a demanding stretch of nine games in 28 days. Torres later hit the crossbar with a free-kick, while Pedri controlled the midfield.

The second half was less intense, with Barcelona managing their lead. Lewandowski, coming off the bench, capitalized on a Fermin López cross to head in the third goal, extending his tally to 23 league goals.

Barcelona's victory widened the gap over Real Madrid, while Atletico Madrid sits seven points behind in third. Barca will host Girona in a Catalan derby on Sunday, while Atletico faces Espanyol and Real Madrid meets Leganes on Saturday.

Osasuna, now winless in seven matches, struggled throughout. "We've been down in the dumps for a while," admitted Osasuna's Rubén García. "Barcelona rolled over us—we have to do better."