Barcelona edge Osasuna 2-1 to move within two points of La Liga title

Key facts

• Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 at El Sadar on May 6, 2025.
• Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 87th minute, assisted by Fermin Lopez.
• Raul Garcia headed in Abel Bretones' cross to make it 2-1 in the 83rd minute.
• Barcelona now lead Real Madrid by 11 points with four matches remaining.
• Lamine Yamal missed the match due to a hamstring injury sustained on April 22 against Celta Vigo.
• Yamal has been ruled out for the remainder of the domestic season.
• Barcelona have won nine consecutive league matches.
• Eight minutes of added time were played in the second half.

Late drama in Pamplona as Barcelona hold on

Barcelona edged Osasuna 2-1 at El Sadar on Tuesday night, moving to within two points of clinching the La Liga title. The victory, secured by a late goal from Ferran Torres, extended the Catalan club's winning streak to nine league matches and increased their lead over Real Madrid to 11 points with four games remaining. Osasuna, known for their resilience at home, pushed Barcelona to the limit. After Torres had doubled the visitors' lead in the 87th minute, Raul Garcia headed in Abel Bretones' delivery to halve the deficit, setting up a nervy finish. The hosts pressed for an equalizer during eight minutes of added time, but Barcelona held firm.

Torres seizes opportunity in Yamal's absence

With teenage star Lamine Yamal sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Ferran Torres stepped up to deliver the decisive moment. The forward latched onto a pass from Fermin Lopez and dispatched with ease to seal victory, though he later blazed a glorious chance wide when a second goal would have killed the game. Yamal, 18, suffered the injury during a match against Celta Vigo on April 22, shortly after scoring. Barcelona confirmed he would miss the remainder of the domestic season, opting for a conservative recovery plan to prioritize long-term fitness ahead of the international calendar. In an emotional message, Yamal said: "This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain. It hurts not being able to fight with my teammates, not being able to help when the team needs me."

Title race all but decided

Barcelona's commanding 11-point lead over Real Madrid leaves the defending champions with little margin for error. A victory in their next match would put them on the verge of the title, depending on other results. The team's consistency — nine consecutive league wins — has been unmatched by any rival this season. Osasuna entered the fixture with strong home form and pride at stake, making the encounter far from straightforward. The hosts' late fightback underscored their reputation as a difficult opponent at El Sadar, but Barcelona's depth and resilience ultimately prevailed.

Flick's tactical adjustments without Yamal

Without Yamal, Barcelona's attacking dynamic shifted. The young winger has been one of the season's most decisive players, contributing goals and assists while stretching defenses with his pace and skill. His absence removed a vital creative outlet, forcing coach Hansi Flick to rely on alternatives such as Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and emerging talents. The tactical balance changed, with a greater emphasis on midfield control and collective attacking movement. Torres's late winner vindicated Flick's approach, but the team's reliance on individual moments rather than sustained pressure highlighted the void left by Yamal.

What comes next for Barcelona

Barcelona now need just two points from their remaining four matches to secure the La Liga title, assuming Real Madrid win all their games. The club's focus will also shift to the upcoming international calendar, with Yamal's recovery timeline carefully managed to ensure his availability for major tournaments. For Osasuna, the defeat was a reminder of the fine margins against top opposition. The team will look to finish the season strongly, with pride and potential European qualification at stake. Barcelona, meanwhile, can almost taste the trophy — but Tuesday night's tense finale showed that nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle.

The bottom line

• Barcelona moved within two points of the La Liga title after a 2-1 win over Osasuna, extending their lead over Real Madrid to 11 points.
• Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute after Raul Garcia had halved the deficit for Osasuna.
• Lamine Yamal missed the match due to a hamstring injury that will keep him out for the rest of the domestic season.
• Barcelona have won nine consecutive league matches, demonstrating unmatched consistency.
• The team's depth was tested without Yamal, but Torres and others stepped up to secure a crucial victory.
• Barcelona need only two points from their final four matches to clinch the title, depending on other results.