Barcelona on brink of La Liga title after last-gasp win at Osasuna

Key facts

• Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday at El Sadar.
• Robert Lewandowski scored in the 81st minute from a Marcus Rashford cross.
• Ferran Torres added a second goal five minutes later.
• Raúl García headed a consolation goal for Osasuna in the 89th minute.
• Barcelona now leads Real Madrid by 14 points with four matches remaining.
• Real Madrid must beat Espanyol on Sunday to delay Barcelona's title celebration.
• Joan García made two key saves in the first half for Barcelona.
• Osasuna suffered only its third home defeat of the season.

Late drama in Pamplona keeps Barcelona in title-driving seat

Barcelona snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory at Osasuna on Saturday, with two goals in the final ten minutes keeping the team on the cusp of the La Liga title. The win, secured at the Estadio El Sadar, opened a 14-point gap over Real Madrid with only four rounds left after this weekend. Hansi Flick's side had been frustrated for much of the match by a resilient Osasuna defence and the woodwork. Ante Budimir hit the post for the hosts before halftime, while Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García made two crucial saves to keep the score level.

Lewandowski and Torres strike late to break Osasuna resistance

The deadlock was broken in the 81st minute when substitute Marcus Rashford delivered a cross that Robert Lewandowski met with a powerful header. The goal sparked a flurry of late action. Five minutes later, Ferran Torres doubled Barcelona's lead with a composed finish. Osasuna pulled one back in the 89th minute through a Raúl García header, but Barcelona held on for a vital three points. It was only the third home defeat of the campaign for Osasuna, who sit tenth in the table.

Flick praises team's resilience and defensive discipline

Speaking after the match, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick commended his players for their performance. "We did our job and that is what I value about my team. We defended well against a very strong opponent. I am very happy with the victory," Flick said in his press conference. Flick noted that his players were celebrating in the dressing room at El Sadar. "The important thing was to win today, and what happens tomorrow is not up to us. We have to wait and see. It's a good situation. If we win the title tomorrow, we will celebrate it," he added.

Title could be decided on Sunday if Real Madrid slip

Barcelona's victory means they can clinch their second consecutive La Liga title as early as Sunday if Real Madrid lose or draw against Espanyol. A Madrid win would keep the race alive for at least another week, setting up a decisive Clásico at the Camp Nou. Ferran Torres said he would be happy to celebrate the title from home on Sunday if Madrid stumble, but acknowledged the opportunity to win it with a victory over Madrid would also be special.

Atlético Madrid rest starters ahead of Champions League semifinal

Elsewhere in La Liga, Atlético Madrid rested most of their first-choice players and still beat Valencia 2-0, with goals from debutants. The decision came with an eye on Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal in London. Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth and Giuliano Simeone – all of whom finished the first leg against Arsenal with minor discomfort – were left out of the squad entirely. Atlético drew 1-1 with Arsenal in the first leg.

Barcelona's destiny now in Real Madrid's hands

Barcelona have done all they can, opening a 14-point lead with four games to play. Whether they are crowned champions this weekend depends entirely on Real Madrid's result against Espanyol on Sunday. If Madrid win, the title race will extend to the Clásico at Camp Nou next weekend. For now, Flick and his players can only wait. As the coach put it, "We have to wait and see. It's a good situation." The celebrations in Pamplona may yet prove premature, but Barcelona have given themselves every chance to seal the title without needing to beat their eternal rivals.

The bottom line

• Barcelona's 2-1 win at Osasuna puts them 14 points clear with four matches remaining.
• Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored in the final ten minutes to secure the victory.
• Barcelona can win La Liga on Sunday if Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol.
• Hansi Flick praised his team's defensive work and late-game composure.
• Osasuna suffered only its third home defeat of the season.
• Atlético Madrid rested key players ahead of their Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.