Barcelona moved to the brink of the LaLiga title with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar.
Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres in the closing stages secured all three points for the visitors, before a late Osasuna response set up a tense finale.
The result leaves Barcelona 14 points clear at the top of the table, with the title now within touching distance depending on Real Madrid’s result against Espanyol.
Osasuna threaten in even first half
Despite Barcelona dominating possession early on, Osasuna created the clearer chances before the break.
Ante Budimir was at the heart of their attacking threat, striking the base of the post with an inventive effort before forcing a strong save from Joan Garcia moments later.
Barcelona’s best opportunity fell to Lewandowski, but the striker fired over from close range, summing up a relatively subdued attacking display from the visitors in the opening 45 minutes.
Barcelona changes turn the game
The match remained finely poised after the restart, with Dani Olmo denied from close range by a crucial block from Alejandro Catena.
Manager Hansi Flick turned to his bench in search of a breakthrough, and the changes proved decisive.
Marcus Rashford, introduced just after the hour mark, made an immediate impact. His delivery from the right wing in the 81st minute found Lewandowski, who powered a header into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
Five minutes later, Barcelona doubled their advantage. Fermín López threaded a precise pass through the defence, allowing Ferran Torres to calmly slot the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Late Osasuna goal sets up nervy finish
Osasuna responded quickly to keep the contest alive. Substitute Abel Bretones delivered a cross from the left, and Raul Garcia rose unmarked to head past Joan Garcia and reduce the deficit.
The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser during eight minutes of added time, but Barcelona held on to secure a crucial win.
