Barcelona secured a crucial win against Osasuna in their rescheduled La Liga fixture, moving three points clear at the top of the table.
The match, originally set for March 8, was postponed just 20 minutes before kickoff due to the passing of Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick voiced his frustration over the timing of the rescheduled game, which was placed just a day after the international break. The scheduling also meant the team had to play without 27-goal winger Raphinha, who had only just returned from international duty with Brazil.
Defender Jules Kounde echoed these sentiments, calling the decision “disrespectful” to the club, regardless of which team was affected. “It’s disrespectful to the club to schedule that match on that date, no matter what club it is,” he told DAZN.
“I think that beyond the lack of respect for the clubs, it’s a lack of respect for the players, because we have to understand that we’re not machines.”
Kounde himself played a full 90 minutes, plus extra time and penalties, in France’s Nations League victory over Croatia on Sunday before returning to Barcelona for Thursday’s fixture.
Despite the tight schedule, Barcelona delivered a dominant performance at their temporary Olympic Stadium home. Ferran Torres opened the scoring with a well-taken finish from an Alejandro Balde cross.
Dani Olmo later won a penalty after being brought down by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. While Herrera initially saved Olmo’s spot-kick, the referee ordered a retake due to encroachment by an Osasuna player. This time, Olmo made no mistake, doubling Barcelona’s lead. However, his night was cut short as he had to be substituted due to an injury.
Barcelona put the game beyond doubt in the second half when substitute Robert Lewandowski capped off a rapid counterattack with a powerful header, sealing a 3-0 victory.
Now sitting three points above Real Madrid and seven clear of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona turn their attention to their next La Liga fixture—a home clash against Girona on Sunday.
To read more stories like this, click sports.