Barcelona on brink of La Liga title as Lamine Yamal ruled out for season with hamstring injury

Key facts

• Barcelona lead La Liga by 11 points with 33 matches played, recording 28 wins, one draw, and four defeats.
• Osasuna sit ninth with 11 wins, nine draws, and 13 defeats, two points behind sixth-placed Getafe.
• Barcelona can win the title this weekend if they beat Osasuna and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol on Sunday.
• Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo on April 22 and will miss the rest of the domestic season.
• Barcelona have won nine consecutive league matches and have the best away record in La Liga with 34 points from 16 games.
• Osasuna have won only 21 of their previous 100 matches against Barcelona, but recorded a 4-2 home victory in September 2024.
• The match at Estadio El Sadar is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 PM Abu Dhabi time.
• Yamal said in an emotional message: 'This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain.'

Title within reach at El Sadar

Barcelona travel to Pamplona on Saturday evening knowing that a victory over Osasuna could seal the La Liga title, depending on results elsewhere. Hansi Flick’s side hold an 11-point lead over Real Madrid with five matches remaining, and a win at Estadio El Sadar would move them to 88 points. If Real Madrid then fail to beat Espanyol on Sunday, the championship will be decided this weekend. Even if the title is not clinched now, Barcelona are expected to secure it in next weekend’s Clásico. The Catalan club have been the dominant force in the 2025-26 season, with 28 wins, one draw, and four defeats from 33 matches. Their away form has been particularly impressive: 34 points from 16 games, scoring 35 times.

Yamal sidelined for the season

The buildup to the match has been overshadowed by the absence of Lamine Yamal, one of Barcelona’s most influential attackers this season. The 18-year-old winger suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Celta Vigo on April 22, shortly after scoring. Barcelona later confirmed that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season, opting for a conservative recovery plan to prioritise long-term fitness ahead of the international calendar. Yamal expressed his frustration in an emotional statement: “This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain. It hurts not being able to fight with my teammates, not being able to help when the team needs me.” His absence removes a vital creative outlet, as he has been one of the most decisive players this season, contributing goals and assists while stretching defences with his pace and skill.

Osasuna’s home strength and European ambitions

Osasuna enter the match after a 2-1 victory over Sevilla, which lifted them to ninth place, two points behind sixth-placed Getafe in the race for European qualification. Alessio Lisci’s side have been formidable at home, collecting 32 points from 16 matches with nine wins. Although they have won only one of their last four league games, they have lost just once in that period, and the battle for the top six remains tight. Historically, Osasuna have struggled against Barcelona, winning only 21 of their 100 previous encounters. However, they recorded a memorable 4-2 home victory in September 2024, a result that Real Madrid will be hoping to see repeated. Los Rojillos have a record of 11 wins, nine draws, and 13 defeats this season, and they will be motivated by the chance to derail Barcelona’s title charge while boosting their own European hopes.

Barcelona’s depth tested without Yamal

With Yamal unavailable, the responsibility falls on alternatives such as Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and emerging talents to fill the void. The tactical balance may shift towards greater midfield control and collective attacking movement. Barcelona have demonstrated remarkable consistency, winning nine consecutive league matches, and their squad depth will be tested in the final stretch of the season. The club’s main disappointment this season was a quarter-final elimination from the Champions League, and summer reinforcements—particularly a top-class centre-back—are expected to strengthen the squad for next year’s European campaign. For now, the immediate focus is on securing the domestic title, which would be a fitting reward for a campaign of near-total dominance.

What happens next

If Barcelona beat Osasuna and Real Madrid lose or draw against Espanyol, the title will be decided this weekend. If not, the championship could be sealed in the Clásico on the following matchday. Either way, Flick’s side are in complete control of their destiny. Osasuna, meanwhile, will look to build on their strong home form and push for a European place. The match at El Sadar is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 PM Abu Dhabi time, and will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS 3.

The bottom line

• Barcelona can win La Liga this weekend if they beat Osasuna and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol.
• Lamine Yamal is out for the season with a hamstring injury suffered on April 22 against Celta Vigo.
• Osasuna are ninth, two points off sixth place, and have been strong at home with nine wins in 16 matches.
• Barcelona have won nine consecutive league games and have the best away record in the division.
• The match kicks off at 11:00 PM Abu Dhabi time on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Estadio El Sadar.
• Yamal’s absence shifts attacking responsibility to Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and other squad players.