After the conclusion of the FIFA Date, and it could be said against its will, FC Barcelona returns to action today without several key players to face the match it had pending against Osasuna. This match will mark the starting point of a grueling schedule for a Barcelona that is playing its season in the next 15 days.

A grueling schedule: Osasuna, Girona, Atlético de Madrid, Betis, and Borussia Dortmund

The truth is that, after experiencing a severe drop in performance in the final stretch of 2024, Hansi Flick has managed to get this Barcelona back to its early-season form. Still alive in all competitions (LaLiga, Champions League, and the Copa del Rey), they remain unbeaten throughout 2025, having played 18 matches… and only drawn three.

However, now is when the season enters its decisive phase… and Barcelona will have to face an extremely demanding schedule. Tonight, they will return to action against Osasuna, and from there, they will welcome Girona's visit over the weekend; on Wednesday, they will face Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals, then host Betis in the next match; and days later, they will meet Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

No excuses for Flick

Five matches in less than fifteen days, but this is no excuse for Hansi Flick after a FIFA Date during which Barcelona's players suffered significant physical wear. The prime example is Raphinha and Araujo, who arrived in Barcelona 25 hours before the match against Osasuna. Logically, as Flick announced in a press conference, they will not be part of the matchday squad.

"I don’t want to talk about my reaction when I found out the match was on Thursday, as it wasn’t very good, but there’s nothing we can do about it from the club's side," Hansi Flick angrily pointed out… even though he carefully restrained his words. However, he also emphasized that "the team has a lot of quality, and we can beat any opponent, even if we are missing players."