Now it’s only a very small step to the title: FC Barcelona took the points at CA Osasuna with a 2-1 (0-0.) win. After the tenth win in a row and now 14 points ahead of Real Madrid, the championship seems to be just a formality.
The goals for the Catalans came late. Robert Lewandowski made it 1-0 with a header in the 81st minute, and seven minutes later substitute Ferran Torres made it 2-0. Raul Garcia scored the goal with a header in the 88th minute.
Successful even without Yamal
Barcelona not only had to do without superstar Lamine Yamal in Pamplona, where CA Osasuna is based. Raphinha and Ferran Torres were also out recently and were only sitting on the bench – so Robert Lewandowski had his place in the starting eleven secured.
Barca had to overcome the first tricky situation with the energetic home team after just six minutes. After a long ball, Ante Budimir got to the ball in front of Joao Cancelo in the Barca penalty area and the Portuguese hit the Croatian’s lower leg. But referee Isidro Díaz de Mera waved it off – he hadn’t seen a penalty situation.
Osasuna with an amazing series
On the other hand, Lewandowski had his first really good opportunity in the 10th minute. After a nice pass from Dani Olmo, the Pole shot from 17 meters, just missing the right corner of the cross. A little later, Olmo put a free kick over the box from a promising position.
Osasuna has had an amazing series: in the last 37 home games they have always scored at least one goal – against Barcelona they tried to be successful with consistent counter-attacking football. The team still has a chance of international business, only two points behind sixth place.
Budimir makes Barcelona sweat
Budimir had a great opportunity to continue the impressive series in the 36th minute. After a quick counterattack, he hit the ball from eight meters to the right post. Two minutes later, after Flick’s team lost the ball, the Croatian aimed very precisely and his shot from 18 meters would have hit the left post – but Barca keeper Joan Garcia went all the way and parried brilliantly.
Barca reacted. In the second section, he stepped up his game in terms of commitment – which paid off. Olmo actually should have made it 0-1 in the 50th minute. After Pedri’s cross pass, he hit the ball over the crossbar from six meters as it fell.
Moncayola kicks, Lewandowski scores
But Osasuna also continued to get involved. In the 68th minute, Ruben Garcia’s fine shot from 17 meters was denied by keeper Joan Garcia. Osasuna’s streak of scoring goals in front of their own crowd was shaky – it obviously got on defender Moncayola’s nerves – his tackle on Pedri at knee height would have deserved a red card – Moncayola got away with a yellow card.
But the hosts conceded what was supposed to be the decisive goal ten minutes before the end of the game. Substitute Marcus Rashford curled a precise cross onto Lewandowski’s head – the Pole didn’t miss the chance and scored from eight meters away to make it 0-1 (80′).
But Osasuna could still celebrate: In the 88th minute, Raul made it 1-2 with a header from nine meters away. This goal came too late for a point – but at least Osasuna’s series held. Now there are 38 home games in a row with at least one goal.
