Osasuna vs Barcelona; Spanish La Liga
Osasuna vs Barcelona. Spanish La Liga.
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Osasuna v Barcelona preview: Barca look to narrow Real Madrid's lead
Saturday 10 December 2016 11:10, UK
Barcelona can apply some pressure on Real Madrid by cutting the gap at the top to three points with victory at rock-bottom Osasuna on Saturday.
After the blow of conceding a last-minute equaliser to Madrid in El Clasico, Barca got back to winning ways with a morale boosting 4-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek.
Crucially, the returning Andres Iniesta has starred in his first two appearances following a six-week injury lay-off.
With their captain restored, the Catalans looked like the Barca of old by registering a competition record 993 passes against the Germans in Europe.
"The most important thing is that the team continues to believe in what it does and how it does it," said Iniesta.
"I am convinced we will get to the final months of the season in the hunt for all the trophies."
Neymar is suspended so Arda Turan is expected to deputise alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in attack after netting a hat-trick against Monchengladbach.
And, despite not featuring on Saturday, Neymar has warned Real Madrid not to get too comfortable at the top of the Primera Division.
"This is a long competition," he told AS. "We should not look at Madrid, but do our thing and in the end we will see.
"Madrid have grown a lot in recent matches but it's a very difficult league.
"The side in first can never be calm. Barcelona are still Barca. We have not changed our style and we want to win everything."
Watch Osasuna v Barcelona live on Saturday, 11.55am, Sky Sports 5 HD