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Barcelona win 2-1 at Osasuna: Lewandowski and Ferran Torres do the damage

Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored as Barcelona edged Osasuna 2-1 at El Sadar. With 88 points and 4 games left, the La Liga title is almost theirs. Full recap and ratings inside.
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FBL-ESP-LIGA-OSASUNA-BARCELONA | ANDER GILLENEA/GettyImages

It wasn't pretty. Rarely it is at El Sadar. But Barcelona came to Pamplona without Yamal, without Raphinha, without Kounde, and walked away with 3 points which put them onto 88 points and eleven clear at the top with just four matches to go.

The title is is within their grasp.

How it played out

Osasuna dominated the first half. The chances that were created came from Osasuna. One particular hit from Budimir crashed off the post. Barcelona could not settle and it was a tough night for Flick's men. Gavi was booked in the 24th minute after an early and careless challenge.

Things improved for Barcelona in the second half. Barcelona seemed to settle down and exert more control over the game and eventually broke the deadlock.

81' - Lewandowski scored with a header from the center of the box right into the right corner of the net. The cross from Marcus Rashford was a perfect one.

86' - Ferran Torres doubled the lead after a left foot strike from the box into the bottom right corner of the net after a fantastic through ball from Fermin Lopez.

Osasuna pulled one back in the 88th minute when Raul Garcia scored a great header.

This left the remaining few minutes a nervy one. Barcelona defended well, particularly the central defense, with Pau Cubarsi commanding and keeping the opposition from any late attacks.

Player Ratings

GK: Joan Garcia: 7.0. Was made to work hard in the first half. Commanded the defense in the last few minutes.

RB: Eric Garca: 6.5. Solid display in Kounde's absence. Araujo was then brought on in the closing stages.

CB: Pau Cubars: 8.0. Outstanding in the latter stages of the game, marshaling the defense when the opposition tried to equalise. Best defender on the pitch.

CB: Gerard Martin: 7.0. Comfortable on the ball, Dealt with the physicality of Budimir well.

LB: Joao Cancelo: 7.0. Worked well down the left, stretching the opposition's right flank.

CM: Gavi: 6.5. The booking in the first half seemed to affect his performance, limiting his aggressive playing style.

CM: Pedri: 7.5. Controlled the tempo for Barcelona whenever necessary. Received medical attention in the second half after a challenge but played on. Replaced by Bernal late on.

RW: Roony Bardghji: 6.5. Growing into the game more and more. Perhaps not his best, but contributed well in Barcelona's second half press.

CAM: Dani Olmo: 7.0. Smart movement in the entire game. His work in the build-up play eventually led to Ferran's goal.

LW: Fermin Lopez: 7.5. A fantastic pass to find Ferran on the break. Consistently dangerous and a nuisance for the Osasuna defenders.

ST: Ferran Torres: 7.5. The composure shown to score under pressure was what a striker is required to do.

Substitutes:

Marcus Rashford: 7.5. Made an immediate impact when introduced. The cross for the opener was pin-point.

Ronald Araujo: 7.0. Shored up the defense after coming on.

Marc Bernal: 6.5. Played professionally in the closing stages.

Robert Lewandowski: 8.0. The header was clinical. At 37, in the biggest moments, he still delivers.

What next?

88 points and an 11 points lead over Real Madrid. If Real Madrid fail to win against Espanyol on Sunday then Barcelona are champions before they play them next.

If Real Madrid win, the title will be decided at the Nou Camp and every fan will hope for another "Guard of Honor."

Barcelona continues to win despite their missing first team players and that is the attitude of the champions.

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