Barcelona took another step towards consolidating their lead in La Liga with a 2-0 victory over Osasuna at Camp Nou on Saturday night. Despite a goalless first half, the Catalan giants eventually overcame their opponents thanks to a spectacular brace from Raphinha.
The first half saw Barcelona dominate possession and create numerous opportunities, but the finishing touch was missing. Ferran Torres’ 23rd-minute strike was ruled out by VAR, while another clear chance from Lamin Yamal’s cross went begging. Eric García’s long-range effort was off-target, and Yamal again failed to convert in stoppage time.
Osasuna threatened early in the second half with a Marcus Rashford free-kick, which was expertly parried by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. Nevertheless, Barcelona’s patience paid off in the 70th minute. Pedri’s marauding run from midfield set up Raphinha, who calmly slotted the ball home with a low shot.
The Brazilian winger completed his double in the 86th minute, benefiting from a Jules Koundé cross that deflected off a defender and fell to him for an easy finish. Barcelona’s clinical display secured the three points and extended their unbeaten run to seven consecutive league games.
Barcelona now top the table with 43 points from 17 matches, while Real Madrid sit in second with 36 points from 16 games. Osasuna remain 16th with only 15 points.
With Raphinha’s second-half heroics, Barcelona not only strengthened their lead over Real Madrid but also demonstrated their attacking depth under Hansi Flick’s stewardship. The Catalans now look more capable than ever of maintaining their dominant position in Spanish football.