Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona: Late Robert Lewandowski penalty hands Barca away win in La Liga

Barcelona come out 2-1 victors over Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium

Barcelona started the first half brightly, Frenkie De Jong hit the post and Robert Lewandowski missed an open goal on the rebound inside the first two minutes.

Barca continued to come forward looking to create chances but were faced by a solid and organised Osasuna block that did well to deny them space between the lines and close them down in wide areas.

Osasuna had a few chances of their own and could have taken the lead when the ball was pulled back to Aimar Oroz in the Barcelona box but the midfielder’s shot was saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona would take the lead just before half-time through Jules Kounde, who rose highest to head home Ilkay Gundogan’s corner.

In the second half it was Osasuna who started the better of the two sides. A triple change in the 62nd minute seemed to lift their performance and the fans started getting behind their side. Their pressure would pay off in the 76th minute when Ezequiel Avila levelled the scoring, arrowing one into the bottom corner from just outside the box.

The game wouldn’t stay level for long though as Barca were awarded a penalty when Lewandowski was taken down by Alejandro Catena inside the Osasuna box. Catena was shown red and Lewandowski dispatched the penalty calmly, restoring Barcelona’s lead in the 85th minute.

It wasn’t the most convincing performance from Xavi’s men, at times Barcelona looked stale as they recycled possession and struggled to create chances against Osasuna’s defence. Despite the win, Xavi may have some things to think about over the international break as Barca look to defend their title this season. Despite the performance, coming away with all three points is always a positive and is needed as Barcelona look to keep pace with Real Madrid who currently sit top of La Liga, collecting four wins from their opening four matches.

The Barcelona midfielder did well to control the match, completing 107 of his 115 attempted passes. De Jong stepped up in the absence of Pedri and looked to create chances for his side in the final third, it was his ball over the top to Lewandowski that led to Barcelona’s penalty. The Dutchman was elegant as he carried the ball through Osasuna’s midfield and linked play well with his team-mates throughout the match, De Jong looks like he will be integral to any Barcelona success this season.

Osasuna: Fernandez 6, Areso 8, Catena 5, Herrando 6, Cruz 6, Munoz 5, Ibanez 6, Oroz 6, Ruben Garcia 7, Raul Garcia 6, Arnaiz 6.

Subs: Barja 6, Avila 7, Budimir 6, Moncayola 6, Vidal, 7.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 6, Roberto 6, Kounde 7, Christensen 7, Balde 6, Gundogan 7, Romeu 7, De Jong 8, Yamal 6, Lewandowski 7, Gavi 6.

Subs: Cancelo 7, Torres 6, Feliz 7, Martinez N/A, Raphinha N/A.

2′- EARLY CHANCE FOR BARCA Gundogan heads the ball back across the Osasuna box towards Frenkie De Jong who hits the post. The ball then rebounds to Lewandowski with an open goal but the striker can’t hit the target.

13′- GOOD DEFENSIVE SHAPE FROM OSASUNA The home side are doing well to deny Barcelona space and make it difficult for them to play between the lines. Right winger Ruben Garcia is doing well tracking Alejandro Balde as the Barca full-back looks to fly forward.

45′- GOAL FOR BARCELONA Jules Kounde heads home after a wonderful corner delivery from Ilkay Gundogan.

68′- OSASUNA BUILDING PRESSURE The home side seem to have been given a new lease of life after the triple change earlier in the half. The Osasuna fans are on their feet trying to push the team forward

76′- GOAL FOR OSASUNA Areso with some more great work down the right hand side before feeding Avila outside the box, the substitute shifts the ball onto his left foot before crashing one into the bottom corner.

84′- CATENA SENT OFF After being called to the screen the referee has decided to upgrade his yellow card on Catena to a red card. The penalty stands

85′- GOAL FOR BARCELONA Robert Lewandowski makes no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.