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Barcelona tightened their grip on the La Liga title race as Raphinha delivered a decisive brace to seal a 2-0 victory over Osasuna, pushing the Blaugrana seven points clear at the summit. In a contest that demanded patience and precision, the Brazilian winger provided the cutting edge when it mattered most, ensuring Hansi Flick’s side capitalized on a tense night at the top of the table.
Barcelona dominate early but lack end product
The hosts began on the front foot, asserting territorial control and creating early opportunities. Ferran Torres was at the heart of Barcelona’s attacking intent, going close twice in the opening exchanges, while Marcus Rashford saw a penalty appeal waved away.
Barcelona’s fluid movement troubled Osasuna, yet clear chances were difficult to convert as the visitors stayed compact.
Despite Barcelona’s dominance, Osasuna carried threat on the counter. Ante Budimir tested goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while Victor Munoz’s pace unsettled the home defence on several occasions.
The breakthrough appeared to arrive midway through the first half when Torres headed home from Rashford’s delivery, only for the goal to be chalked off following an offside call in the build-up.
Frustration builds as Osasuna hold firm
As the match wore on, Barcelona’s frustration grew. Torres came agonizingly close with an acrobatic overhead kick, and Rashford forced a sharp save from Sergio Herrera with a curling free-kick. Osasuna, meanwhile, remained dangerous in transition, with Munoz narrowly missing the target during a swift counter-attack that briefly silenced the home crowd.
For long stretches, it looked as though the league leaders might be held at bay. Osasuna defended with discipline, blocking shooting lanes and disrupting Barcelona’s rhythm in the final third.
Raphinha breaks the deadlock
Just as the contest threatened to drift into stalemate, Raphinha stepped up with a moment of individual brilliance. In the 70th minute, the Barcelona captain unleashed a fierce 20-yard strike that curled into the corner, finally breaking Osasuna’s resistance and lifting the pressure inside the stadium.
Osasuna thought they had responded late on when Jorge Herrando found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Garcia. Moments later, Raphinha struck again, reacting quickest inside the box to volley home from close range and put the result beyond doubt.
The victory extends Barcelona’s lead to seven points at the top, strengthening their position as the season enters a critical phase.
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