Lewandowski and Torres Strike Late to Keep Barcelona on Brink of La Liga Title

Key facts

• Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 on Saturday at El Sadar.
• Robert Lewandowski scored the equalizer in the 81st minute.
• Ferran Torres added the winner in the 86th minute.
• Raúl García pulled one back 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.
• If Madrid wins, the title could be decided in the next Clásico at Camp Nou.
• Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García made two key saves in the first half.

Late Surge Seals Victory in Pamplona

Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored in the final nine minutes to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory at Osasuna on Saturday, moving the Catalan club to the brink of a second consecutive La Liga title. The win at El Sadar opened a 14-point gap over Real Madrid with only four rounds left after this weekend. Substitute Marcus Rashford set up Lewandowski's powerful header in the 81st minute, breaking the deadlock. Five minutes later, Torres doubled the lead before Osasuna's Raúl García headed one back in the 89th minute, but Barcelona held on for the three points.

Flick Praises Team's Resilience

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised his team's defensive discipline and fighting spirit after the match. "We did our job and that's what I value about my team. We defended well against a very strong opponent. I'm very happy with the victory," Flick said in his post-match press conference. Flick noted that his players were celebrating in the dressing room after the final whistle. "The important thing was to win today, and tomorrow doesn't depend on us. We have to wait and see. It's a good situation. If we win the title tomorrow, we'll celebrate," he added.

Title Scenarios: Clásico or Celebration at Home

Barcelona can clinch the title on Sunday if Real Madrid loses to Espanyol. If Madrid wins, the race continues for at least another week, setting up a potential title-deciding Clásico at Camp Nou when Barcelona hosts Madrid. Ferran Torres said he would be happy to celebrate the title from home on Sunday if Madrid stumbles, but acknowledged the drama of winning it against the archrival. Osasuna, sitting 10th in the table, suffered only its third home defeat of the season in Pamplona. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García made two crucial saves in the first half, and Osasuna striker Ante Budimir hit the post before halftime.

Atlético Madrid Rests Starters Ahead of Champions League

In other La Liga action, Atlético Madrid rested most of its regular starters and still beat Valencia 2-0 with goals from debutants. The result came ahead of Atlético's crucial Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal in London on Tuesday. Manager Diego Simeone left out Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sorloth, and Giuliano Simeone, who all finished the midweek 1-1 draw against Arsenal with minor injuries. The rotated squad proved sufficient to overcome Valencia at home.

What Comes Next for Barcelona and Real Madrid

All eyes now turn to Sunday's match between Real Madrid and Espanyol. A Madrid loss or draw would hand Barcelona the title without kicking a ball. If Madrid wins, the title race continues, with Barcelona hosting Madrid in a Clásico that could decide the championship. Barcelona's victory at Osasuna was its 26th of the league season, underscoring the consistency that has built the 14-point cushion. With four matches remaining, the team controls its destiny but can also rely on Madrid dropping points to seal the deal early.

The bottom line

• Barcelona's 2-1 win at Osasuna puts them 14 points clear of Real Madrid with four games left.
• Lewandowski and Torres scored in the 81st and 86th minutes to overturn a tight match.
• Barcelona can win the title on Sunday if Real Madrid loses to Espanyol.
• A Madrid win would set up a potential title-deciding Clásico at Camp Nou.
• Atlético Madrid rested key players and still beat Valencia 2-0 ahead of their Champions League semifinal.