Late Lewandowski and Torres goals put Barcelona on brink of La Liga title

Key facts

• Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 at El Sadar on Saturday night.
• Robert Lewandowski scored the opener in the 81st minute, assisted by Marcus Rashford.
• Ferran Torres doubled the lead in the 86th minute, assisted by Fermín López.
• Raúl García pulled one back for Osasuna in the 88th minute.
• Barcelona now lead La Liga by 14 points with seven games remaining.
• Barcelona could be crowned champions on Sunday if Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol.
• Osasuna had 8 minutes of stoppage time but could not equalize.
• The match was originally postponed due to the death of Barcelona's doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia.

A night of late drama at El Sadar

Barcelona took another giant stride towards a second consecutive La Liga title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday night. The win, secured by two goals in the final ten minutes, opens a temporary 14-point gap at the top of the table and leaves the Blaugrana on the verge of the championship. For most of the match, Barcelona struggled to break down a disciplined Osasuna defense, mirroring their performance at Getafe the previous week. The home side, comfortable absorbing pressure, also posed a significant counter-attacking threat, with striker Ante Budimir hitting the post and forcing a brilliant save from goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the first half.

Rashford's introduction changes the game

Hansi Flick made a triple substitution at the hour mark, introducing Marcus Rashford among others. The English winger, who has been gaining importance under Flick, made a decisive impact. In the 81st minute, Rashford delivered a perfect cross from the left, finding Robert Lewandowski, who made a well-timed run to lose his marker and headed home the opener. Five minutes later, Fermín López played Ferran Torres through on goal, and Torres fired a right-footed shot into the centre of the net to double Barcelona's lead. The goals finally rewarded Barcelona's superior possession after a frustrating attacking display.

Osasuna's late response and Barcelona's survival

Osasuna refused to capitulate. In the 88th minute, Raúl García headed home a cross from Abel Bretones to make it 2-1, setting up a tense finish. The fourth official announced eight minutes of added time, during which Osasuna pushed for an equalizer but could not create a clear chance. Barcelona survived the late blitz, and the final whistle confirmed all three points. The victory was built on two moments of quality in an otherwise disappointing attacking performance, but it was enough to seal a crucial win at a ground where winning is never easy.

Title within reach after Real Madrid stumble

The win leaves Barcelona 14 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with seven games remaining. Barcelona could be crowned champions as early as Sunday if Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol. Even if Real Madrid win, the title is now only a matter of time for Hansi Flick's side. The match was originally scheduled earlier in the month but was postponed shortly before kick-off following the tragic death of Barcelona's doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia. The rescheduling, which came hot on the heels of the international break, drew criticism from both clubs, but Barcelona coped without the injured Raphinha, with Lamine Yamal and Pedri running the show.

Injury concern for Olmo mars the night

Despite the victory, Flick will be concerned about Dani Olmo, who had to limp off in the first half with an injury. Olmo had converted a penalty earlier in the match, contributing to what was a comfortable 3-0 win in the original fixture, but his early exit raises questions about his availability for the run-in. Barcelona's depth, however, was on display as Rashford and Torres stepped up when needed. The win underscores the team's resilience and ability to grind out results even when not at their best.

What comes next for Barcelona and Osasuna

Barcelona now turn their attention to the final seven league matches, knowing that a single win or a Real Madrid slip will seal the title. The club's focus will also be on managing player fitness, with Olmo's injury and the congested schedule a concern. Osasuna, meanwhile, will rue their missed chances but can take heart from a performance that troubled the league leaders. They remain in mid-table, with little to play for but pride, and will look to build on their spirited display.

The bottom line

• Barcelona's 2-1 win at Osasuna puts them 14 points clear with seven games left, on the brink of back-to-back La Liga titles.
• Marcus Rashford's assist for Lewandowski's opener proved decisive, highlighting his growing importance under Hansi Flick.
• Osasuna pushed Barcelona to the limit, hitting the post and scoring a late goal, but could not find an equalizer.
• Barcelona could be crowned champions on Sunday if Real Madrid lose or draw against Espanyol.
• Dani Olmo's first-half injury is a concern for Barcelona's depth in the final stretch of the season.
• The match was originally postponed due to the death of Barcelona's doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia, adding emotional weight to the fixture.