Key Takeaways
- Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored late goals to secure a 2-1 win for the Catalan side
- The victory opens a 14-point lead over Real Madrid with only four matches remaining this season
- The La Liga trophy could be secured before next weekend’s El Clasico depending on Real Madrid’s result on Sunday
FC Barcelona are now very close to winning back the Spanish league title after beating CA Osasuna 2-1 in a difficult match in Pamplona on Saturday.
The visitors had most of the ball in the first half, but they failed to create clear chances. Osasuna looked more dangerous, with striker Ante Budimir hitting the post before forcing goalkeeper Joan Garcia to make a good save from long distance.
After half-time, Barcelona played faster and passed the ball with more purpose. They nearly scored when Dani Olmo tried to shoot after Eric Garcia knocked the ball down inside the box, but a defender blocked it at the last moment.
Coach Hansi Flick brought on three new players from the bench: Frenkie de Jong, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres. These changes worked well. In the 81st minute, the Manchester United loan player sent a great cross from the right side, and Robert Lewandowski scored with a strong header.
Torres added a second goal five minutes later after a clever exchange with Fermin Lopez. However, Osasuna did not give up. Substitute Raul Garcia de Haro headed in a cross from Abel Bretones straight away to make the score 2-1 and set up a nervous finish.
Barcelona held on for the three points, which puts them 14 points clear of Real Madrid CF at the top of the table. There are only 12 points left to play for this season. Real Madrid must beat Espanyol on Sunday to keep their slim hopes alive. If they fail to win, Barcelona will be confirmed as champions before next weekend’s El Clasico.