That’s now eight wins in a row at home.
Barcelona were looking to make it an eighth win in succession at home as they took on a resurgent Osasuna side at Camp Nou.
The team from Pamplona had won only two of their 11 games before December, but had won two more since the start of the month and hoped to make it three in a row in Catalonia.
However, with Barca having won seven of the last eight meetings between the sides, losing just once in the away fixture last season, it was likely to be a tall order for the visitors.
Particularly as the Blaugranes could temporarily go seven points clear of Real Madrid with a victory, and would surely have the bit between their teeth as a result.
Let’s take a look at three things that influenced the match…
No room to work…
As might be expected when a visiting team puts up to six men in defence, and another four in a line sat just in front, it was then always going to be difficult for Barca to break them down.
Even though the Blaugranes spread the ball around with relative ease, utilising both wings throughout, when it came to pulling the trigger in the middle, there was simply no room to get a decent enough connection.
There can be no blame attached, of course, though perhaps a ball or two over the top – as we saw with Ferran’s excellent headed finish (we won’t mention VAR) – rather than long-range efforts that stood little chance of finding the net, might’ve brought the hosts an earlier opener in the game.
Gerard Martin is growing into the centre-back role
For a player who has only recently been stationed more centrally in defence, Gerard Martin is improving game by game, both in terms of his positional sense and the manner in which he understands his role.
That Hansi Flick would now appear to see a Cubarsi/Martin pairing as the first choice speaks volumes.
Adept at bringing the ball out of defence, he’s generally kept things simple in terms of his passing range, and that’s allowed him to grow in confidence.
One to watch over the coming games.
Raphinha the man… again
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
How many times in his Barcelona career has Raphinha been the difference maker for the club?!
Though it took until the 70th minute for the Brazilian to get his first goal, his work-rate and ability to cover ground put some of his other teammates to shame.
He wasn’t always accurate in his passing or shooting, but Raphinha was purposeful and showed urgency throughout the game.
A player who consistently sets the example for the team and backs up his performances with match-winning moments.
Category: General Sports
