Barcelona edge closer to LaLiga crown after gritty victory against Osasuna

Robert Lewandowski nearly broke the deadlock early on, but his powerful upward shot sailed just wide of the post.

Dani Olmos lively runs and effort troubled the home side, as Osasuna struggled before their supporters, with Ante Budimirs pair of opportunities being the best the hosts managed in the first 20 minutes.

Javi Galans clearance from right under his own crossbar prevented Eric Garcia from nodding in, and moments later, Sergio Herrera dived to block Roony Bardghjis effort from distance.

Even though both teams pressed forward aggressively by the 30 minute mark, clear cut opportunities were scarce.

Barcelona crafted superior moves, yet their delivery into the box fell short repeatedly, and just the upright denied Budimir from putting Osasuna ahead following a twisting advance from midfield. Joao Cancelos casual pass at the stroke of halftime reflected the away teams relaxed demeanour, wrapping up a scoreless opening period.

How Olmo managed to sky the ball from close range shortly into the second half remains a mystery to him alone. Barcelona now injected greater pace into their play, stretching the pitch as they shifted the ball from flank to flank against their opponents.

The away side controlled the game but lacked the killer touch, holding 73.2 percent possession in the quarter hour post interval, while Joan Garcias save denied Ruben Garcia from bending one in for Osasuna.

In the closing phase, Osasuna defended desperately, but with ten minutes remaining, Marcus Rashfords accurate delivery allowed Lewandowski to leap and bullet a classic forwards header past the keeper for a crucial advantage.

Ferran Torres added a composed finish in the 86th minute to ease the pressure, although Raul Garcia soon pulled one back by rising above the defence to crash in his own header.

In the end, it served merely as a small comfort for the hosts, who have secured only two victories in their previous nine league outings (three draws, four defeats), as Barcelona provisionally extend their lead over Real Madrid to 14 points atop the standings.