Barcelona comfortably defeated Osasuna 2-0 at home on Thursday, solidifying their three-point advantage in La Liga as they compete for the top spot.
The home team took an early lead with Ferran Torres scoring in the 11th minute. Dani Olmo extended the lead with a penalty just 10 minutes later, allowing Barcelona to control the game. Despite missing key players Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Barcelona dominated Osasuna, outshooting them 19 to three and preventing any shots on target. Lewandowski later came on as a substitute and scored the third goal in the 77th minute.
This match was rescheduled from earlier in March following the death of Barcelona`s team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia. This is why the game took place shortly after the international break.
Key Moment
Barcelona established dominance early in the game when Torres scored in the 11th minute, concluding a well-coordinated team play that has been characteristic of their season. Alejandro Balde`s excellent cross set up Torres for a close-range finish.
Player of the Match
Beyond scoring the opening goal, Ferran Torres was active throughout his 68 minutes on the field. He took four shots and accounted for 1.18 expected goals, a significant portion of the team`s total of 3.19 xG. He continues to demonstrate his value as an attacking option, especially when Lewandowski and Raphinha are not in the starting lineup.
Implications for Barcelona
Barcelona has now played the same number of matches as their La Liga rivals and holds a three-point lead over Real Madrid, who are in second place. Their lead over Atletico Madrid is seven points with 10 games remaining in the season.
Up Next
Barcelona will resume their La Liga campaign on Sunday against Girona, currently in 13th place. They will then compete in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Atletico Madrid, following a 4-4 draw in the first leg in February.
