Lewandowski and Torres Fire Barcelona to Brink of La Liga Title with 2-1 Win at Osasuna

Key facts

• Robert Lewandowski scored in the 81st minute to break the deadlock.
• Ferran Torres added a second in the 86th minute after a through ball from Fermín López.
• Osasuna pulled one back through Raúl García in the 89th minute.
• Barcelona now lead Real Madrid by 14 points with six games remaining.
• Real Madrid must defeat Espanyol on Sunday to avoid Barcelona clinching the title immediately.
• If Madrid win, the title could be decided in the Clásico at Camp Nou on May 10.
• Barcelona were without injured winger Lamine Yamal; Roony Bardghji started in his place.
• The victory moves Barcelona closer to a second consecutive La Liga title and a 29th in club history.

LATE DRAMA AT EL SADAR

Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres struck late to earn Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday, pushing the Catalan giants to the verge of a second consecutive La Liga title. The win extended Barcelona's lead at the top of the table to 14 points over second-placed Real Madrid, who must now beat Espanyol on Sunday to keep the title race alive. Lewandowski powered a header into the right side of the net in the 81st minute after a pinpoint cross from Marcus Rashford, breaking a stubborn Osasuna defense. Four minutes later, Ferran Torres slotted home a right-footed strike from the left side of the box following a perfectly timed through ball by Fermín López, doubling the lead. Osasuna pulled one back through Raúl García in the 89th minute, but Barcelona held on for the three points.

A HOSTILE GROUND AND A TENSE FIRST HALF

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick described the victory as 'huge,' acknowledging the difficulty of playing at one of the league's most challenging venues. 'We wanted to win here and it was a tough game, especially in the first half. We did much better in the second half,' Flick told DAZN after the match. The first half saw Barcelona dominate possession but struggle to create clear chances, a performance Flick attributed to his team's comfortable league position. Without the injured Lamine Yamal, Barcelona lost much of their attacking dynamism. Roony Bardghji, starting on the right in place of the Spain international, managed only a long-range effort that was easily saved by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.

TITLE RACE MATH AND THE CLÁSICO PROSPECT

With six games remaining, Barcelona's 14-point lead means they will be crowned champions if Real Madrid fail to win at Espanyol on Sunday. Should Madrid win, the title could be decided in the Clásico at Camp Nou on May 10, when Barcelona host their arch-rivals. 'We've put the pressure on Madrid because tomorrow, if they don't win, then we really will be champions,' Torres told DAZN after the match. Barcelona's victory also keeps them on track for a 29th league title in the club's history, adding to their recent dominance under Flick. The team's ability to grind out results in hostile environments has been a hallmark of their campaign.

OSASUNA'S EUROPEAN AMBITIONS

Osasuna entered the match in ninth place, still harboring hopes of securing a European berth with a strong finish to the season. The defeat leaves them with work to do, but their performance—particularly in the first half—showed why they have been a tough opponent at El Sadar. Raúl García's late header ensured a tense finish, but Barcelona's defensive resilience, bolstered by the introduction of Ronald Araújo in the 82nd minute, saw them through. The result underscores the gap between the league's top side and a mid-table team chasing continental qualification, but Osasuna's spirited display suggests they remain a threat in the final weeks of the season.

WHAT COMES NEXT

Barcelona now await the outcome of Sunday's match between Espanyol and Real Madrid. A Madrid defeat or draw would hand Barcelona the title immediately. If Madrid win, the Clásico on May 10 becomes a potential title-decider, adding another layer of intensity to the historic rivalry. Barcelona will also need to manage the absence of Yamal, whose injury has been a concern, though the team's depth has been sufficient so far. For Osasuna, the focus shifts to their remaining fixtures as they aim to climb into the top seven and secure European football next season. The defeat, while disappointing, does not derail their ambitions entirely.

The bottom line

• Barcelona's 2-1 win at Osasuna puts them 14 points clear of Real Madrid with six games left.
• Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored late goals to secure the victory.
• Real Madrid must beat Espanyol on Sunday to prevent Barcelona from clinching the title immediately.
• If Madrid win, the title could be decided in the Clásico at Camp Nou on May 10.
• Barcelona were without injured winger Lamine Yamal, but their depth proved decisive.
• Osasuna remain in ninth place, still chasing a European spot despite the loss.