Why are Barcelona playing Osasuna during the international break?
Barcelona have the chance to move three points clear of Real Madrid in the La Liga title race when they play their game in hand against Osasuna on Thursday night.
Both teams had actually announced their starting line-ups, and the players went in to warm up, before Barcelona declared that the game was postponed via the stadium speakers.
“FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening,” Barcelona said in a statement.
“For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna has been postponed to a later date.
“The FC Barcelona Board of Directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Just over a week after the postponement Spain’s football federation announced the Barcelona vs Osasuna fixture had been rescheduled for March 27.
The date is rather unusual given it’s the international break and players are still filtering back to their respective club sides with La Liga action originally set to resume on March 29.
Why Barcelona are playing Osasuna during the international break?
Barcelona must face Osasuna in their rescheduled La Liga match on Thursday because both clubs’ appeals to postpone the fixture were rejected by Spain’s football federation.
Barca appealed on the grounds that at least six of their players, including South Americans Raphinha and Ronald Araujo would not have time to rest after international duty.
Meanwhile, Osasuna appealed because they had another game two days later against Athletic Club.
Despite Barcelona and Osasuna proposing other dates, their requests were rejected, with La Liga postponing Osasuna’s game against Athletic to March 30 instead.
