Barcelona solidified their position at the top of LaLiga with a commanding 3-0 victory over Osasuna at the Estadi Ol�mpic Llu�s Companys, stretching their unbeaten competitive run to an impressive 19 matches. The win opens a three-point gap over second-placed Real Madrid, while a seven-point cushion over Atl�tico Madrid has turned the title race into a two-horse contest with 10 games left in the season.
The rearranged fixture, which sparked controversy due to its proximity to the international window, saw Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick forced to rotate his squad. Key players Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski started on the bench, but the Catalan giants showed their depth, wasting no time in asserting dominance. Just 15 minutes in, Ferran Torres opened the scoring, latching onto a pinpoint cross from Alejandro Balde to fire home from close range.
Barcelona�s momentum continued as they were awarded a penalty shortly after when Dani Olmo was brought down by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. Although Herrera initially redeemed himself by saving Olmo�s spot-kick, a second chance was granted due to encroachment by an Osasuna defender. Olmo made no mistake on his second attempt, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to double the lead.
The hosts dominated the first half, with Torres nearly adding a third when his free-kick rattled the crossbar five minutes before the break. Osasuna struggled to create chances, managing just one notable opportunity early in the second half when Jorge Herrando headed narrowly wide from six yards.
Barcelona responded with intent, and half-time substitute Pablo Torre nearly sealed the game, his effort whistling just wide. Eager to quash any hopes of an Osasuna comeback, Flick introduced Lewandowski off the bench. The Polish striker made an immediate impact, heading in a precise delivery from Ferm�n L�pez on a swift counterattack to make it 3-0 and effectively kill the game.
With the result secured and a crucial match against Girona looming on Sunday, Barcelona took their foot off the gas, conserving energy for the next challenge. The victory not only reinforced their title credentials but also highlighted their ability to perform even without key starters.
For Osasuna, the defeat leaves them in a precarious position, sitting just six points above the relegation zone. With 10 games remaining, their season hangs in the balance as they look to avoid a late-season slide into the bottom three.
Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to set the pace in LaLiga, their rotated squad proving they have the depth and quality to maintain their lead in what promises to be a thrilling title race.
