Barcelona are still behind Real Madrid in the table on goal difference, but 3 more points could change the situation if ever Los Blancos slip on Thursday away to Getafe.
FC Barcelona – Back at their full best
Barcelona have made everything they could to prove to their fans that the “devastating form” which led them to a so-called perfect season in 2009 was back.
Barcelona have lost only a single game this season, and especially their last two games have been the evidences of their restored power.
An unstoppable Lionel Messi
In fact, one must admit that the top reason for Barcelona’s recent success is Lionel Messi.
The Argentine has been in excellent form lately, scoring 11 goals in his last 5 games in all competitions. Messi also made a hat-trick twice in a row against Valencia and Real Zaragoza, and considering his overall performance this year, he does not seem close to slowing down.
Despite having suffered a tooth problem a few days ago, Messi is expected to start for the Catalans against Osasuna, as manager Pep Guardiola does not see any option for his replacement.
Osasuna - A miracle is needed
Osasuna have been in a very bad form lately, having won none of their last 5 matches.
In their last 5 games
Osasuna drew 1-1 at home with Real Valladolid on February 21, but 7 days later, they were shocked 3-2 away to Sporting Gijon.
They somehow survived against Getafe at the beginning of this month when they settled for a goalless draw with the Madrid side, but again, they failed to bounce back from their unsatisfying form after losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid later on.
3-1 was then the score line against them when they welcomed Racing Santander in front of 17,000 fans, and following these miserable results, they now find theirselves in 13th position of La Liga table.
A victory for them against Barcelona on Wednesday night in Cataluña will be - in some ways - be an obligation, as anything less than 3 points could truly push them closer to the relegation zone.
Barcelona vs Osasuna: The Past
Fortunately for Osasuna, they do not have such a bad record against Barcelona.
Over their last 5 meetings against the Catalans since 2007, Osasuna have lost only twice, won once, and drew twice.
Their last encounter against La Liga contenders ended in a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Reyno de Navarra thanks to a Gerard Pique own goal which leveled things up in additional time for Osasuna.
Perhaps, tomorrow night will be a lucky night for Los Rojillos – if ever they succeed in containing the one presently regarded as the world’s best player: Lionel Messi.
La Liga .jpg)
Standings (Top 5) – March 23, 2010
Real Madrid – 68 points
Barcelona – 68 points
Valencia – 50 points
Mallorca – 46 points
Sevilla – 44 points
