How Barcelona could lose points after Osasuna win

Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Osasuna on March 27, 2025, improved their La Liga lead, with goals from Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski extending their unbeaten streak to 19 games. However, an appeal by Osasuna alleging an improper lineup could cost them the points, threatening their title race against Real Madrid.

How the controversy came to be

Osasuna claims Barcelona’s Inigo Martinez, who played the full match, was ineligible due to a registration violation. If the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) agrees, Barcelona could face a points deduction, turning their victory into a setback. However, the controversy stems from Barcelona’s financial struggles and La Liga’s salary cap rules, which complicated Martínez’s registration. Osasuna suggests an administrative error tied to the match’s postponement, which was caused by the death of Barcelona’s first team doctor, may have occurred, though details remain unclear.

Moreover, the rescheduled game, opposed by both teams, due to a tough international break, leaving Barcelona without most of their standout players like Raphinha and Araujo who can’t make the travel back due to longer distance, while Osasuna are in poor form and struggling for consistency. Players like Jules Kounde criticized the “disrespectful” timing, while Osasuna hopes their appeal offsets a dull season.

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What is at stakes for Barcelona

With 63 points and a slim lead over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, losing points now could derail Barcelona’s title bid. Fans are frustrated, blaming La Liga and the RFEF, while coach Hansi Flick faces a challenge beyond his control. Moreover, Osasuna’s appeal is like posterity coming back for Barcelona. In 2019, a similar case happened where Barcelona gained points due to an opponent’s error, adding irony to the situation. Football enthusiasts like myself have viewed it as a test of fairness in La Liga’s enforcement.

What could possibly happen at the end

The situation is not something that is new because we have seen Barcelona been dragged overtime before the la Liga authorities and other football institutions but in the end, the Blaugranas still shake it off like water on the back of a dog. Nevertheless, RFEF will review the appeal, with outcomes uncertain, football enthusiasts still debate whether Barcelona’s registration holds or if a loophole exists. Barcelona who have declared that they are not bothered about the situation must now focus on upcoming matches against Girona and Dortmund in the champions league amid the uncertainty.

Conclusion

The saga highlights the fragility of Barcelona’s dominance, as a technicality could erase their victory. It leaves them questioning whether their toughest foe this season is not a rival, but the regulations governing the game.