Key Takeaways
- Robert Lewandowski scored the decisive goal with an 81st-minute header at El Sadar.
- Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford provided the assist after coming off the bench.
- The victory gives Barcelona a 14-point lead at the top of the La Liga table.
Barcelona took a giant step towards the La Liga title on Saturday night after Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock late against CA Osasuna in Pamplona. The Polish striker nodded home in the 81st minute to separate the two sides in a tight contest at El Sadar.
Hansi Flick’s team found it difficult to break down the hosts for most of the match. Osasuna defended deep and limited the league leaders to very few chances on goal. Earlier in the game, Dani Olmo had Barcelona’s best opportunity, but the Osasuna defence blocked his close-range effort.
The introduction of substitutes changed the flow of the game. Frenkie de Jong, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres all came off the bench to add fresh energy. It was the Manchester United winger who made the difference, delivering a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Lewandowski rose highest in the centre of the box and guided his header past the goalkeeper to give Barcelona the lead.
This crucial win moves Barcelona 14 points clear at the summit of the table. The Catalan side secured the result without starting Raphinha or Marc Bernal, who were both available but remained on the sidelines. Flick will be pleased to collect three points despite his side’s flat performance for large parts of the match.