Good Morning, dear Osasunists!
This evening Osasuna plays against F.C. Barcelona at Camp Nou at 19.00 hours after winning against Coruña in the first game of the second round of La Liga. Barça got their first defeat in La Liga this season against Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium. They have completed the best first round in the history of La Liga. But Messi's team had another bad score against Malaga F.C. in the first leg of the quarter final of Copa del Rey at Camp Nou too.
However, it seems to have got over the bad moments of last week results and they won Malaga ( 2-4 ) at La Rosaleda and have to play against Real Madrid for a post in the final of Copa del Rey. So, Osasuna may make a profit of this situation as they are considered a lower rival than next one for the semifinals. Roura, who will sit on the bench instead for Villanova, still under treatment for his illness, might use different players from the habitual kickoff team. Piqué, who became a father this week after his couple Shakira gave birth to a son called Milan, can't play as he is sanctioned, but his substitute is even better, the captain Carles Puyol. Other players like Alves, Iniesta, Xavi or Pedro could have a rest for the match on Wednesday at El Bernabeu against Real Madrid, and Adriano, Thiago, Alexis or Villa could have the opportunity to show their talents against Osasuna.
On the other hand, as we can see, Osasuna can't think that the match will be easier, as even when we say the kickoff team of Barça won't be the habitual, the quality of the players are as good as the substituted ones. As a positive point for Mendilibar's team is the good attitude they had against Depor last weekend and the idea that they have nothing to lose in their game against Barcelona.
Yesterday results were in favour for Osasuna as their rivals to avoid relegation either lost their games or only got a point. And if it is supposed to take the defeat against Barça for granted, they may get an extra point that they didn't count at the beginning of the season.
The issue of the week was the substitute for Iker Casillas in Real Madrid, after his injury in his hand against Valencia in Copa del Rey. Andres Fernandez, Osasuna's goalkeeper was in the list of the desired for Mou, but in the end Diego Lopez, from Sevilla F.C. was signed for Real Madrid yesterday evening, and there was a relief in Osasuna. At least till the end of the season, as Valdes, the goalkeeper of Barcelona also said that he won't play at Camp Nou again next season. And we all know that Osasuna's goalkeepers are always well estimated by Barça chairmen and remember Juan Carlos Unzue, former Osasuna goalkeeper is the trainer of goalkeepers in F.C. Barcelona.
Andres Fernandez was quite nervous in the match against Real Madrid at El Sadar and everybody suspected that he was more interested in having a good evening act than in the final result. I hope it won't be the same this evening. We alll know that the general manager in Barça is another ex-goalkeeper, Andoni Zubizarreta, and he will take notes of Andres's acts.
Anyway, Mendilibar's team is strong in the defence line, not only because of Andres saves, but also the actions of Ruben, Arribas o Bertran. There will be two changes from the kickoff team last weekend, and it seems that Nano will play instead of Damia, sanctioned, and De las Cuevas instead for Armenteros. Patxi Puñal and Oier may have another opportunity to lead the team too.
Barcelona: Valdés; Adriano, Mascherano, Puyol, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Thiago, Cesc, Alexis, Messi and Villa.
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández; Marc Bertrán, Rubén, Arribas, Nano; Puñal, Lolo, Cejudo, Nino, De las Cuevas; and Kike Sola.
Gora Osasuna! Aupa Rojillos!
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