Osasuna full-back Juan Cruz analyzes Barcelona clash and heaps praise on Alejandro Balde | OneFootball

Coming right after their difficult outing against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona have another stern test awaiting them as they face Osasuna in La Liga tonight.

Hansi Flick will have to rotate some of his starters for this game, especially keeping in view the fatigue they generated in the midweek UCL game.

However, keeping in view the quality of the Pamplona side, he will not be able to drop the quality of his starting line-up too much, particularly as he will be looking to maintain the lead at the top of the La Liga table.

One of the players the Catalans might have to face in this game tonight will be the full-back, Juan Cruz. The Spaniard appeared in an interview with Mundo Deportivo ahead of this match and talked about different aspects of the game tonight and Barcelona in general.

Osasuna were able to beat the Blaugranes 4-2 and end their winning streak at the start of this La Liga campaign. However, Cruz was not taking that match as a reference ahead of tonight’s game:

“I don’t know if that match can be used as a reference today. It depends on the circumstances. What I am sure of is that we must maintain the attitude, commitment, and unity we had back then to get a positive result.”

The Osasuna fullback was full of praise for the young talent present in Barcelona ranks:

“Yes, it is an incredible generation, strong, high-level, and very young. The 4-2 result was more due to Osasuna’s merit than Barça’s fault for playing with such young players.”

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Cruz praised the full-back Alejandro Balde in particular:

“He has shown what he is. He had an injury, but his career is incredible. The way he pushes forward in attack! A great full-back.”

There is no doubt that this will be quite an entertaining match, with both sides having the quality to get a result. Barcelona will undoubtedly be the favorites, but they will also have to keep an eye on the second leg of the Round of 16 tie against Benfica, something Osasuna will not have to worry about.