FC Barcelona registered a third straight win in LaLiga after Robert Lewandowski's late goal sealed a 2-1 victory over Osasuna on Sunday night.
LaLiga
Result: Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona
Date: 03 September 2023
Venue: Estadio El Sadar
Barca included two new deadline day signings, on loan Joao Felix and Cancelo in their squad but they started from the bench, as Alejandro Balde was the only change from their win over Villarreal.
Blaugrana were unfortunate not to go ahead within the first two minutes after Frankie de Jong struck the post with a shot from a loose ball in the box and Robert Lewandowski missed an open goal with a shot from the rebound.
Xavi's charges circulated the ball for long periods but they could not break down Osasuna, who carved out a good chance on 24 minutes after Jose Arnaiz forced a reflex save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a dipping strike.
The hosts gained confidence and Aimar Oroz had a glorious chance just after the hour-mark after he got a cut-back unmarked in the box but his shot was brilliantly saved by Ter Stegen.
The Catalan giants regained their control of the game towards the close of the first stanza and Jules Kounde eventually broke the deadlock with a towering header in the box from a cross by Ilkay Gundogan.
Blaugrana could not maintain the pressure they had just before interval as they were denied spaces behind the defence by Osasuna.
Xavi eventually made a double change on the hour-mark, as he handed Cancelo his debut in place of Sergi Roberto at right wing-back and Ferran Torres replaced 16-year old Lamine Yamal in attack.
However, the visitors did not have the momentum despite dominating possession and Osasuna found their way back into the game 14 minutes before time after Chimy Avila fired a cracking shot from the edge of the box that went in off the post.
Barca then increased their intensity and Robert Lewandowski quickly restored their lead in the last five minutes from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the box by Alejandro Catena, who had his yellow card upgraded to red after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
The Catalan giants were living dangerously in the dying minutes, as Osasuna caused them problems with their speed, aggression and fighting spirit but they managed to hold on to their third straight win.
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