Barcelona 2-0, Osasuna: Robert Lewandowski Nets as Xavi’s Side Advances to Face Real Madrid in Supercopa Final.
Barcelona has earned a spot in the Spanish Supercopa final after defeating Osasuna in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This victory sets up a showdown with arch-rivals Real Madrid in the upcoming Clasico. Goals from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal secured the win for Barcelona, showcasing ease in their performance. Real Madrid secured their place in the final by defeating cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. The anticipated final promises an exciting clash between the two football giants.
Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory against Osasuna on Thursday in the Spanish Supercopa semi-finals, paving the way for an anticipated final against Real Madrid.
The return of midfielder Pedri to Barcelona’s bench offered relief to coach Xavi following a challenging start to the La Liga season.
In the game held in Riyadh, Barcelona took control, with Robert Lewandowski coming close to scoring. However, Osasuna’s goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera, made a crucial save. The team faced adversity when Raphinha had to be substituted due to an injury before the first half concluded.
In the second half, Lewandowski scored with an assist from Gundogan, giving Barcelona the lead. Osasuna claimed there was a foul by De Jong in the build-up, but the referees didn’t agree.
Later in the game, Yamal scored another goal for Barcelona with excellent teamwork from Joao Felix.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to compete for the trophy on Sunday. Real Madrid earned their spot with a 5-3 victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Talking Point: Barcelona Appears to Lack Pace
Osasuna played defensively, waiting for Barcelona to make a move. Barcelona scored in the second half, even though they were clearly better. They got lucky, scoring a second goal when Osasuna was trying to catch up late in the game.
In the next match against Real Madrid, Barcelona will face stronger opponents who may score with fewer chances. Xavi Hernandez, the coach, will benefit if Barcelona wins, but a heavy defeat could put his job in jeopardy.
Star Player: Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski didn’t have his best day, missing a chance early on. However, the experienced forward made a big difference by teaming up with his old friend Ilkay Gundogan. Without these two former Borussia Dortmund players, Xavi Hernandez’s team would have found it tough.
Player Ratings
Barcelona:
Pena: 7
Balde: 7
Araujo: 7
Kounde: 7
Christensen: 7
Roberto: 6
De Jong: 7
Gundogan: 7
Raphinha: 6
Torres: 6
Lewandowski: 7
Substitutes:
Pedri: 6
Felix: 7
Lamine Yamal: 7
Osasuna:
Herrera: 6
Areso: 6
Catena: 5
Cruz: 6
David Garcia: 6
Oroz: 5
Munoz: 6
Gomez: 6
Pena: 6
Budimir: 6
Arnaiz: 6
Substitutes:
Moncayola: 6
Barja: 6
Ruben Garcia: 6
Mojica: 6
Raul: 6
Key Moments
6’ – Christensen’s Attempt: Christensen’s shot from a corner is saved. Arnaiz attempts a low cross, but Kounde clears it away.
8’ – Torres Takes a Shot: Lewandowski sets up Torres, but his powerful shot from a distance narrowly misses.
9’ – Areso’s Opportunity: Areso shoots from inside the box, but it’s deflected and curls just wide for a corner, which is eventually cleared.
13’ – Lewandowski’s Chance: Slippery Roberto sets up Lewandowski, but his attempt to curl the ball into the corner is thwarted by the keeper.
59’ – Goal! Barcelona 1-0 Osasuna – Lewandowski Scores: Gundogan finds Lewandowski with a through-ball, and the Pole scores with a low shot.
90+3′ – Brilliant Goal! Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna – Yamal Scores: Felix backheels a ball into space, receives a return pass, skips forward, and finds Yamal, who scores with a low shot.
Key Stat:
Robert Lewandowski scored his first goal in open play since November.