Barcelona came from behind to extend their lead at the top of La Liga after Robert Lewandowski was sent off after 30 minutes. Raphinha scored the winner. Gerard Pique was sent off from the bench after arguing with the referee.
Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 with 10 men after Robert Lewandowski was sent off. After Real Madrid’s shocking loss to Rayo Vallecano on Monday, the league leaders arrived at El Sadar knowing a win would extend their lead to five points. However, sixth-placed Osasuna was in good form with three wins in their last five matches.
Barca conceded after six minutes, looking nervous. Ruben Garcia and Jon Moncayola scored after Sergio Busquets dropped the ball on the outskirts of the box. David Garcia scored after Ruben Garcia’s corner was deflected. He received a free header, Unai Garcia let it run through his legs, and it went in. All three Garcias had a hand in the goal.
The visitors’ situation worsened after 30 minutes. Lewandowski received a second yellow card for a shoulder charge on David Garcia as they fought a bouncing ball after needlessly dragging Nacho Vidal back. Ferran Torres thought he had equalized before halftime, but he was offside before heading in Jordi Alba’s cross. However, it gave Barca optimism of a turnaround.
Alba’s cross was diverted to Pedri a few minutes after halftime, boosting hope. He equalized through a swarm of players. Osasuna almost won it late when Chimy Avila almost lobed Marc-Andre ter Stegen from wide on the left, but the Barcelona goalkeeper backpedaled and tipped the ball over the crossbar.
Raphinha replaced Ousmane Dembele and changed the game within minutes. The Brazilian headed a long ball from Frenkie de Jong over Osasuna goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez to win the match.
La Liga Table
| # | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | Last |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | 65 | 26 | 21 | 2 | 3 |   |
2 |  | 59 | 26 | 18 | 5 | 3 |  |
3 |  | 51 | 26 | 15 | 6 | 5 | |
4 |  | 48 | 26 | 14 | 6 | 6 | |
5 |  | 45 | 26 | 13 | 6 | 7 | |
6 |  | 41 | 26 | 12 | 5 | 9 | |
7 |  | 36 | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 | |
8 |  | 36 | 26 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
9 |  | 34 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 10 | |
10 |  | 34 | 26 | 9 | 7 | 10 | |
11 |  | 32 | 26 | 9 | 5 | 12 | |
12 |  | 31 | 26 | 8 | 7 | 11 | |
13 |  | 29 | 26 | 7 | 8 | 11 | |
14 |  | 28 | 26 | 7 | 7 | 12 | |
15 |  | 28 | 26 | 6 | 10 | 10 | |
16 |  | 28 | 26 | 8 | 4 | 14 | |
17 |  | 27 | 26 | 6 | 9 | 11 | |
18 |  | 26 | 26 | 7 | 5 | 14 | |
19 |  | 26 | 26 | 7 | 5 | 14 | |
20 |  | 13 | 26 | 2 | 7 | 17 | |
Gerard Pique misses his final farewell. Gerard Pique started on the bench but was anticipated to play in his final game before retiring. After arguing with Jesus Gil Manzano at halftime, he was sent off. Barca was furious that Unai Garcia had barged over Marcos Alonso in the area at the corner that led to Osasuna’s opener, but Pique may have objected too much. Gil Manzano issued eight yellow cards and two reds, so perhaps he was overzealous.
Video Source: Youtube
Match Summary
- 6’ GOAL! Osasuna lead! David Garcia gets a free header from a corner, Unai Garcia lets it bounce between his knees, and Ter Stegen misses it. Barca wants it disallowed for an Alonso foul, but nothing happens.
- 31’ RED CARD! Lewandowski shoulder charges David Garcia, hitting him in the face. Gil Manzano produces another yellow and a red.
- 45’ RED CARD! Pique, a substitute, was sent off after clashing with officials at halftime. This was his final Barca game before retiring.
- 48’ GOAL! Barca started the second half well. Pedri shoots low after Alba’s cross is deflected.
- 85’ GOAL! Well. Raphinha heads a long ball from De Jong over Fernandez with five minutes left to put Barca ahead.
