Barcelona finally won a game by more than a one-goal margin, for the first time since September, and so reached Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final where they will face Real Madrid.
Robert Lewandowski served up a Clasico in Riyadh scoring the first before teenager Yamin Lamal added a second in added time.
Barcelona made all the early running with Sergio Herrera saving from Lewandowski. He celebrated every block with a fist pump to Barça shirted fans behind his goal. At the other end Osasuna forced two early corners but failed to test Inaki Pena.
On 20 minutes Sergio Roberto shot wide from Jules Kounde’s pass but Barcelona were struggling to get around Osasuna’s back five. That back five was almost reduced to a back four when centre-back Alejandro Catena barged Raphinha off the ball as he charged through on goal. Alejandro Muniz Ruiz decided it was not a clear goal scoring opportunity and the originally yellow card was not upgraded to red.
Osasuna were restricted to quick counters but they almost scored from one five minutes before the break. Jesus Areso broke down the right and crossed for Ante Budimir who gave Ronald Araujo the slip in the penalty area and would have scored had Pena not blocked.
Barcelona set up at Super Cup El Clasico final against Real Madrid on Sunday by beating Osasuna 2-0
Robert Lewandowski scored the opening goal of the game, with Barca winning by more than one goal for the first time since September
16-year-old Lamine Yamal (left) came off the bench to score Barcelona’s second goal late on
Barcelona’s keeper then had to save from Iker Munoz’ long-range free-kick. There is no question that Barcelona’s general defensive malaise this season, and the club briefing that Bayern Munich want to pay 100m euros for the Uruguayan defender, has affected his form.
Barcelona lost the injured Raphinha just before the break with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal coming on as Joao Felix stayed on the bench, now clearly out of favour with coach Xavi.
When the goal came it was Lewandowski who scored it from Ilkay Gundogan’s pass. Andreas Christensen robbed Jose Arnaiz and while he stayed down holding the base of his spine complaining of a foul Gundogan swept forward and slipped the ball through to Lewandowski who beat Sergio Herrera with a low finish.
There was a VAR check but for all that Arnaiz milked what had seemed minimum contact the goal was given.
Joao Felix remained on the bench for Barcelona until the second half, with Lamine preferred to replace the injured Raphinha
Xavi’s side will now have to overcome their greatest rivals in Saudi Arabia to lift the Super Cup
Joao Felix and Pedri both came on and Arnaiz went off replaced by Raul Garcia. Felix’ impact was instant and only a good save from Herrera prevented his shot doubling Barcelona’s advantage.
Osasuna had switched to a back four but it still felt as though Budimir was carrying the fight on his own and he tested Pena once more after getting away from Kounde.
As Osasuna finally committed men forward Barcelona got their second. Felix crafted it with Pedri and Lamine converted it two minutes into added time.
Barcelona were through and although Madrid will not be quaking at the prospect of facing them Xavi will know if they can cause an upset it could transform the club’s season.