Afternoon all! Our La Liga coverage for the day opens from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Osasuna. The home side are currently seven points off league leaders Real Madrid, albeit with a game in hand. The visitors, meanwhile, are firmly locked in a relegation battle, with 29 points from their 27 matches leaving them in 15th, just three points outside of the bottom three.

TEAMS:

BARCA: Valdes; Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Sanchez, Messi, Pedro

OSASUNA: Fernandez; Oier, Loties, Arribas, Damia; Cejudo, Loe, Silva; Armenteros, Riera, Torres

So there we have it. Still no Gerard Pique for the home side this afternoon, while Alexis Sanchez and Pedro both join Lionel Messi in the final third. Cesc Fabregas and Neymar both drop to the bench. Osasuna, meanwhile, are as expected with Roberto Torres joining Oriol Riera and Armenteros in the final third.

Sun and shadows at the Camp Nou with an hour to go before Barcelona - Osasuna. From @SiqueRodriguez pic.twitter.com/Qun8UVaiWV — AS English (@English_AS) March 16, 2014

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won three of the last five matches, with Osasuna winning once and the further fixture ending in a draw. The reverse match earlier this season ended in a goalless draw, but Barca were 5-1 winners in the corresponding clash last season.

The home side will enter the match in confident mood having secured their progress into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over Manchester City on Wednesday evening. However, the Spanish champions have lost two of their last three in the league, with away defeats to Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid allowing the Madrid pair to take advantage.

8 - Barça have won 8 of their last 9 home league meetings with Osasuna, losing only in the penultimate gameweek of the 08/09 (0-1). Warning. — OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 16, 2014

Barcelona's home record this season has been strong with 12 wins from their 13 matches, losing just once in the process (against Valencia). Gerardo Martino's side are also the leading scorers on their own patch this season with 46 goals. Three points this afternoon would move them to within one point of second-place Atletico and four of leaders Real Madrid ahead of the Clasico next weekend.

Goals have certainly not been a problem for Barca this season with 74 in their 27 matches, which is the second highest total behind Real Madrid. Osasuna, however, have struggled with just 24 strikes. Down the other end, the Catalan outfit have conceded 22 times, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process, while Osasuna's defensive record is 41 against.

Osasuna have won two of their last five in the league, including a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in Pamplona last month, but Monday's 2-0 home loss to Malaga was a real blow. As it stands, they sit in 15th position and are just three points from the relegation zone. That said, they are also just one victory away from 12th.

Five of Osasuna's eight league wins this season have come on their own patch, where they have also lost six times. They have also won three times on their travels, but lost eight, which is among the worst records in the league. In truth, how they fare in the latter stages of the season is not going to depend on their results at grounds such as the Camp Nou, but anything this afternoon would be a big bonus.

PREDICTION: Barcelona have not been at their best in recent weeks and Osasuna might feel that they have never had a better chance at the Camp Nou. That said, I just cannot see the visitors keeping enough of the ball to really hurt the home side. My score prediction is a comfortable 3-0 home victory.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Three points are vital for Barcelona if they are to keep their title challenge alive. Right, the home side get the first 45 minutes underway at the Camp Nou.

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium on this warm afternoon in Barcelona. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes with Iniesta, Xavi and Busquets all seeing plenty of the ball. It could be a long 90 minutes for Osasuna.

Fairly low-key start in terms of attacking football, with Barcelona keeping possession just inside the Osasuna half. Riera attempts to meet a through pass for the away side following smart work from Armenteros, but Bartra is on hand to clear the danger. Moments later, Xavi's through pass moves out for a goal kick.

Messi's first real involvement arrives as the Argentine meets a through pass from Alves, but the forward had just moved into an offside position. Osasuna are down the other end moments later, but once more the referee's whistle is blown as Silva clashes with Alba. End-to-end football with six minutes on the clock.

Half-chance for the home side as Sanchez meets a loose header from Oier, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Just a few signs that the hosts are starting to warm to their task, but Osasuna have also demonstrated their willingness to commit numbers in the final third in the early exchanges in Barcelona.

Half-chance for Osasuna this time as Riera spins Alba before driving into the Barcelona box, but Bartra is across to clear for a corner, which brings a Barcelona free kick following contact from Loe on Alves.

1 - Osasuna are one of only four teams to keep a clean sheet in a La Liga game against Barcelona this season. Armor.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 16, 2014

GOAL DISALLOWED! Osasuna have the ball in the back of the net as Armenteros converts from close range, but the forward was in an offside position when Valdes saved from Riera. Scare for the hosts.

Osasuna have not come to defend this afternoon that is for certain, with Riera and Torres both stationed in the final third. Barcelona continue to enjoy more of the ball, but another attack breaks down when Silva clears a cross from Alves. Still goalless with 13 minutes on the clock on this warm afternoon in Barcelona.

Another half-chance for Osasuna as Riera rises to meet a free kick from Cejudo, but Busquets just does enough to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the far post, but Cejudo fires high and wide on the volley. The home supporters are not best pleased with what they are seeing from their side.

Twice Messi attempts to dance into the Barcelona box, but the Argentine is denied by Oier and then Arribas. Alba is down the left moments later, but his low cross is cleared as the away side stand strong in defensive areas. You just get the feeling that this could be a frustrating afternoon for Barcelona.

What was I saying? This could be a frustrating afternoon for Barcelona? Shows what I know! The home side take the lead after 18 minutes as Messi turns a low Sanchez cross into the back of the net from close range.

CHANCE! Barcelona come close to their second as Messi returns the favour for Sanchez by finding the Chilean inside the box, but his effort hits the side netting. If Osasuna are not careful then this match could get away from them very quickly.

Barcelona have their second and Sanchez has his 17th league goal of the season as the Chilean converts a low Alba cross inside the box. Simple football, but Osasuna were all over the place in defence. Game over?!

Just a reminder that three points for Barcelona would leave them one point behind second-place Atletico Madrid and four from Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico next weekend. Gerardo Martino's side are well on their way with 25 minutes on the clock. It already appears a case of when and not if they add to the scoring.

Has Sanchez been Barcelona's best player this season? Messi has had his injury problems, but Sanchez has been ever-present in the league. He is also Barcelona's current leading scorer in La Liga with 17 strikes to his name. Possession football from the home side in the last couple of minutes with Osasuna chasing shadows.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Osasuna have started to see more of the ball. Their willingness to attack must be credited, but it is leaving space for the home side down the other end. Still 2-0 with little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

It is almost like a training match at the moment as the home side continue to keep possession of the ball, with Osasuna retreating into their shape. It is already a damage limitation exercise that is for certain. That said, Riera remains a threat for the visitors with his pace and movement in the final third.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Loe dives into the back of Sanchez, but no card is produced by the Spanish official. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining. It has flown past.

Barcelona have their third of the match in the latter stages of the first period as Iniesta finds some space outside the box before drilling one into the top corner. Brilliant from the Spanish international.

In truth, Osasuna have not been that bad. Barcelona have just turned on the style in the first 37 minutes. They have struggled to produce their best form in the league in recent weeks, but that is not the case this afternoon. Alves has another half-chance outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target.

Barcelona continue to force the issue in and around the Osasuna box, with Xavi and Iniesta both joining the forward three. The former has a half-chance following a deep cross from the latter, but his effort is saved by Fernandez in the Osasuna goal. It is almost too easy for the Catalan outfit with 40 minutes on the clock.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to score their fourth as Pedro meets a bouncing ball inside the box, but somehow he fires his effort wide of the target. Osasuna are all over the place in defensive areas at the moment, with the home side cutting through them with ease. It remains 3-0 Barcelona.

You have to feel for Osasuna, who have put a lot of work into this first period. However, they have been undone by some wonderful work from the home side. Another half-chance arrives for Barca as Pedro drives down the left before finding a low cross into the box, but Oier is on hand to clear ahead of Sanchez.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 3-0 at the break. The home side opened the scoring after 18 minutes through Messi, before Sanchez netted four minutes later. Barca were not finished, however, as Iniesta scored their third after 34 minutes.

STATISTICS: The home side have utterly dominated the possession with 76%, while they have had nine attempts, five of which have been on target. Osasuna, meanwhile, have hit the target just once from their two attempts. In truth, it has been extremely straight-forward for the Catalan outfit thus far.

BENCH WATCH: Barcelona have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Neymar, Fabregas and Tello. Meanwhile, Osasuna have the likes of Acuna, Punal and Manuel in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to make this a damage limitation exercise rather than attempting to chase the match. The last thing they need is to lose by six or seven. Right, Osasuna get the second 45 minutes of action underway.

9 - Lionel Messi has scored nine goals across Barcelona's last four home meetings with Osasuna. Infallible.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 16, 2014

No changes from either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations in the next 20 minutes or so. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early stages of the second half.

Half-chance for the home side to score their third as Xavi meets a cross from Alba, but the midfielder cannot make proper contact under pressure from Loe. Osasuna attempt to break down the other end with Riera and indeed gain a free kick, but Torres takes it quickly and the move breaks down. Still 3-0 to the champions.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Pedro combines with Alba before driving into the Osasuna box, but the attacker just finishes the wrong side of the post. Osasuna just cannot cope with the pace of the hosts at the moment as Barcelona threaten to add their fourth of the evening.

Another half-chance for the home side as Alba drives down the right before finding Iniesta, but his effort is straight into the arms of Fernandez. Osasuna break down the other end with Riera, but the Spaniard is left isolated in the final third once more.

CHANCE! Oh my word what a chance. Incredible opportunity for Riera to open Osasuna's tally for the match as Cejudo's low cross is deflected to the striker, but he can only turn wide of the post from close range. Barcelona remain nervy in defence despite their domination in forward areas.

Another half-chance for the home side as Sanchez drops his shoulder on the edge of the box before driving one towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Plenty of chances at both ends in the second period, but the score remains 3-0 with little over 30 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona.

CHANCE! Another opportunity for Osasuna as a deep free kick from Cejudo falls for Oier inside the box following poor defending from Bartra, but the Spaniard cannot make the vital touch. The second period has been even in terms of opportunities there is no question about that.

Possession football from Osasuna in the last few moments, with Loe driving forward from a deep position on a number of occasions. Barcelona are the first team to look to their bench this evening as Xavi is replaced by Song, which is not much of a surprise. Barcelona will need Xavi fresh for El Clasico next weekend.

Osasuna also make a change as Lobato enters the field in place of Armenteros, who has struggled to influence proceedings at the Camp Nou. Possession football for the home side in the last few moments, but they are finding it more difficult to break through this Osasuna defence.

Isn't Messi supposed to be out of form? The Argentine doubles up for the match as he combines with Iniesta before lashing one into the top corner. Dominant performance from Barcelona on their own patch.

Little over 20 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining and Barcelona are set to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to four points ahead of El Clasico next weekend. Alba hits the crossbar following smart combination play with Messi, but the left-back is penalised for a push on Arribas inside the box.

Good spell for Osasuna in the last couple of moments with Loe and Cejudo both enjoying possession in the Barcelona half, but Riera continues to be left isolated in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals at the Camp Nou as both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third.

Half-chance for Osasuna as Torres finds some space outside the box before striking on goal, but his effort is pushed over the crossbar by Valdes. The away side make their second change of the match moments later as Punal replaces Torres. Punal immediately takes the resulting corner, but Valdes is on hand to claim.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Messi to score his third as Pedro chases down a long Valdes clearance before putting it on a plate for the Argentine inside the box, but somehow he lifts his effort over the crossbar. He will not get an easier chance in the final 15 minutes or so.

Possession football from Barcelona in the last few moments as the Osasuna legs begin to tire. Another half-chance arrives as Alba delivers a dangerous cross towards Iniesta, but the Spaniard cannot make contact under pressire from Arribas. This could have been six or seven for the home side there is no doubt about that.

Fernandez is called into action for Osasuna as Alves finds Messi just outside the box, but the Spanish goalkeeper is across to deny the Argentine his third of the match. One-way traffic in the last few moments as Barcelona threaten a fifth each time they break into the final third. Little over 10 minutes remaining.

Barcelona make their second change of the match as Sanchez is replaced by Tello, who has struggled for regular football this season. Still little over 10 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou and the home side continue to dominate the possession. Can Messi complete his hat-trick?

Lionel Messi has become @FCBarcelona's all-time top scorer (370), passing Paulino Alcantara - http://t.co/SIbFsziYQO pic.twitter.com/GV9aitZYXY

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) March 16, 2014

Wow! Barcelona have their fifth of the match as Tello dances past three challenges on the edge of the box before bending one into the top corner. That is a bit special from the Spanish winger.

Are Barcelona back to their best? Not quite. But it has been a much-improved performance thare is no question about that. Osasuna have attempted to drive forward whenever possible, but it has left gaps for the home side to exploit. It would not be a surprise if this became six or seven in the final stages this evening.

Barcelona make their third and final change of the match as Adriano replaces Mascherano. No sign of Neymar, which is a surprise. You would have thought that Martino would have attempted to get the Brazilian on at this stage of proceedings ahead of El Clasico. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining at the Camp Nou.

Osasuna make their third and final change of the match as Riera leaves the field for Acuna. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments as Barcelona continue to keep hold of the possession. Just a reminder that they will enter next week's clash with Real Madrid four points behind the league leaders.

Hat-trick Messi! The Argentine scores his third in the latter stages as he collects a cross from Alves before slotting into the bottom corner with ease. It has been the Messi show at the Camp Nou.

It gets worse for Osasuna in the latter stages as Messi finds Pedro, who fires one into the bottom corner for number seven. The final whistle cannot come quick enough for the away side.

So there we have it. Incredible performance from Barcelona as they thump Osasuna 7-0 at the Camp Nou. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!