Barcelona continued their dominant form in LaLiga with a commanding 3-0 victory over Osasuna at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. This crucial win saw Barcelona stretch their unbeaten competitive run to 19 matches while opening up a three-point lead over rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
The match was rescheduled, causing some controversy due to its proximity to the end of the international window. With key players Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski not included in the starting XI, head coach Hansi Flick opted for a rotated lineup. Despite the changes, Barcelona wasted no time in asserting their authority over Osasuna.
Early Dominance and Missed Penalty Drama
Barcelona opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes, thanks to a swift and clinical move. Alejandro Balde delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, which Ferran Torres expertly turned home from close range. The goal gave Barcelona the confidence boost they needed as they continued to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game.
Just moments later, Barcelona earned a penalty when Dani Olmo was brought down in the area by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. Herrera managed to redeem himself by saving Olmo’s initial spot-kick, but encroachment by an Osasuna defender meant the penalty had to be retaken. Given a second chance, Olmo made no mistake this time, slotting the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
HIGHLIGHTS!
3️⃣ Barça
0️⃣ Osasuna#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/HtGetd8p4a— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 28, 2025
Barcelona maintained relentless pressure on Osasuna throughout the first half. Ferran Torres nearly added a third with a well-struck free-kick that rattled the crossbar just five minutes before halftime. The visitors were struggling to keep pace with Barcelona’s slick passing and attacking movements, creating few opportunities of their own.
Osasuna Struggle to Mount a Comeback
Osasuna emerged from the break with a renewed sense of urgency, nearly pulling a goal back within two minutes of the restart. Jorge Herrando met a cross from the right but directed his header narrowly wide from six yards out, much to the relief of Barcelona’s defense.
Barcelona immediately responded to the near-miss with a counterattack, as substitute Pablo Torre went close to scoring with a powerful shot that whistled inches wide of the target. Despite their two-goal cushion, Barcelona continued to press forward, keen to eliminate any possibility of an Osasuna fightback.
With the visitors struggling to make any meaningful impact, Hansi Flick introduced Robert Lewandowski off the bench to add more firepower to Barcelona’s attack. The Polish striker made an immediate difference, scoring Barcelona’s third goal with a precise header from Fermín López’s cross during a swift counterattack. Lewandowski’s finish effectively sealed the victory and ended any hopes of an Osasuna comeback.
Barcelona in Control of the Title Race
The final stages of the match saw Barcelona ease off the gas, conserving energy ahead of their upcoming LaLiga fixture against Girona. With Real Madrid trailing by three points and Atlético Madrid seven points adrift, the title race now appears to be a two-horse contest between the Catalan giants and their eternal rivals.
Barcelona’s performance against Osasuna once again highlighted their attacking prowess, defensive solidity, and overall squad depth. Despite missing key players, the team looked confident and well-organized, demonstrating why they remain favorites to lift the LaLiga trophy this season.
Osasuna’s Relegation Fears Deepen
For Osasuna, the defeat leaves them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only six points separating them from the bottom three. With just 10 games remaining, their season hangs in the balance, and they will need to improve drastically if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
Barcelona’s emphatic win over Osasuna not only extended their unbeaten streak but also sent a strong message to their title rivals. With consistent performances like this, Barcelona appears well-positioned to reclaim the LaLiga crown and continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory.
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