Osasuna faced a tough evening in Barcelona, suffering a 1-2 defeat at the hands of the Catalans after a chaotic second half that included a contentious late penalty. The game began with Barcelona pressuring high and asserting the control that has characterized them this season, even as Osasuna looked to steal momentum from their opponents.
The challenge appeared daunting for Osasuna, still reeling from a congested European week, as they tried to turn the page with a positive result against a consistent Barcelona side. Xavi kept his starting XI intact for the long-haul effort, while Arrasate rotated his squad to inject freshness and lift. The Catalans created their first real danger early on, with a quick sequence that tested the visitors’ resolve. A move down the right flank set the tone for Barcelona, as Lewandowski and his teammates chased an early opener and came close to breaking the deadlock, though Osasuna’s defense held firm.
Barcelona showed their prowess in possession, probing and demanding a quick reaction from Osasuna when possession shifted. Yet the visitors found a gap on the right side through a sharp exchange between Areso and Rubén García. The cross into the penalty area found Aimar Oroz, who arrived ready to pounce, though he could not convert the chance into a goal. Ter Stegen displayed consistency on the night, closing down the threat with his reliable reflexes.
The midfield contest swirled with the combined work of Gündoğan, Gavi, and De Jong, every touch designed to disrupt Osasuna’s shape. The rojillos pressed back with determination, even though a well-placed set piece led to a moment of danger in front of goal. Koundé found space from a distance and, with a calm finish, put Barcelona ahead just before the interval, giving the home side the edge as the teams headed to halftime.
After the break, Osasuna shifted gears. They intensified their tempo, pressing higher up the pitch and seeking to erase the deficit with renewed urgency. Arrasate answered the moment with decisive substitutions, bringing on Chimy Ávila, Barja, and Budimir. The changes widened the visitors’ attacking options and allowed them to push Barcelona further back, raising the intensity and pace of the contest.
In response, Barcelona persisted with their compact and disciplined approach, trying to dampen the urgency of Osasuna’s wave. Aitor Fernández came up with a timely stop, reacting quickly to Lewandowski’s shot that threatened to stretch the lead, ensuring that Barcelona wouldn’t extend the advantage easily. The contest became a battle of wits and stamina as both sides sought to seize the initiative and create a breakthrough.
Osasuna finally found their moment of reward in the 76th minute. Chimy Ávila received the ball near the edge of the box, shifted his body with precision, and unleashed a left-footed shot that curved past Ter Stegen and rattled the post before finding the back of the net. The goal was a testament to Osasuna’s persistence, briefly lifting the Navarrese spirits and signaling a potential comeback.
The drama intensified as the clock wound down. A controversial moment emerged when Catena was involved in a penalty decision that Ortiz suggested could have been reviewed earlier in the match. The referee chose to view the incident directly, and Lewandowski stepped up to convert from the spot, restoring Barcelona’s lead and quelling Osasuna’s late surge. The visitors pressed for one last push, but Barcelona held firm to secure a hard-fought three points.
In the end, Barcelona’s combination of clinical finishing and resilient defense proved decisive, while Osasuna left the field with the sense that the result did not fully reflect their effort. The match delivered a blend of sustained pressure, sharp counterattacks, and moments of individual brilliance that underscored the competitive nature of this league fixture.