With national soccer goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen as a spectator on the substitutes’ bench, FC Barcelona has consolidated its position at the top of the Spanish La Liga. The decisive man against Osasuna was Raphinha, who scored a late brace.
In the 2-0 (0-0) win against the relegation candidate, Barca had a long unsuccessful start before Raphinha redeemed the leaders with his deserved opening goal in the 70th minute of the game. Shortly before the end, the Brazilian increased the score to 2-0. The victory puts the Catalans seven points ahead of record champions Real Madrid at the top of the table.
The Royals have to play Deportivo Alaves on Sunday (9 p.m.). The future of coach Xabi Alonso is at stake. Real’s city rivals Atletico won 2-1 (1-0) against FC Valencia and thus maintained fourth place.
Difficult situation for Marc-André ter Stegen
Even before the game against Osasuna it was clear that the situation for Ter Stegen remained hopeless. Coach Hansi Flick emphasized that Joan García would continue to be number one. Regarding ter Stegen’s future, the former national coach only confirmed internal discussions with the 33-year-old, who was in the Catalans’ squad for the first time after his injury break last Tuesday in the Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt (2-1).
Marc-Andre ter Stegen warms up before Barcelona’s home game against Osasuna
In view of Ter Stegen’s ambitions to be in Germany’s goal at the 2026 World Cup, a change of club in the winter seems almost inevitable.