FC Barcelona defeated Osasuna 2-0 in a tense La Liga encounter, securing vital three points to maintain top spot.
The hosts controlled possession from the outset, creating numerous chances but facing stubborn resistance.
A disallowed goal frustrated early efforts, yet persistence paid off when captain Raphinha delivered a stunning strike, assisted brilliantly by Pedri, to break the deadlock.
Osasuna defended valiantly, limiting threats on counter-attacks, but Barcelona’s pressure proved overwhelming.
Hansi Flick’s rotated side maintained composure, extending their winning streak and solidifying top spot amid the festive schedule.
Here are the Barcelona player ratings:
Joan Garcia (7.5/10)
Made crucial saves during Osasuna’s sporadic counter-attacks that kept Barcelona level when the game threatened to slip away.
His assured distribution from the back helped initiate attacks smoothly despite the mounting pressure from the opposition’s compact setup.
Jules Koundé (7.5/10)
Remained defensively reliable throughout but found it tough to progress the ball forward against Osasuna’s deep defensive block.
His positioning limited effective overlaps on the right flank, which in turn reduced Barcelona’s width and crossing threat significantly.
Pau Cubarsí (7.5/10)
Displayed impressive composure on the ball while winning crucial duels to anchor an inexperienced backline under pressure.
The young defender’s poise stood out, though some risky passes occasionally invited unnecessary turnovers in dangerous areas.
Gerard Martín (7/10)
His emergency shift to left-back exposed tentative defending, particularly against Osasuna’s quick wingers, exploiting spaces.
Contributions in attack from the flank remained limited, failing to provide the usual dynamism expected in that position.
Alejandro Balde (7/10)
Used his pace effectively for forward runs that created width, but the final ball into the box often lacked the required precision.
Strong recovery speed proved vital in neutralising Osasuna’s dangerous transitions and preventing potential breakthroughs.
Eric García (8/10)
Excelled in the midfield pivot role with progressive passing and numerous interceptions that dictated the game’s tempo effectively.
Provided excellent defensive screening that protected the backline and enabled Barcelona to build attacks from deeper positions.
Pedri (8.5/10)
Controlled the tempo brilliantly with clever turns and movement, though the final incision to unlock the defence was noticeably absent.
Maintained a high work rate in pressing, but couldn’t convert dominance into clear-cut goalscoring opportunities for teammates.
Lamine Yamal (7.5/10)
Regularly beat his marker with dazzling dribbling but struggled to deliver the end product against the deep defensive block.
Signs of youthful impatience showed through hurried decisions when placed under sustained pressure from multiple defenders.
Raphinha (9/10)
Scored both the goals for Barcelona and delivered crosses that occasionally found targets but lacked the variety needed to trouble the organised low block consistently.
Set-piece delivery showed promise but ultimately proved wasteful in creating genuine scoring threats from dead balls.
Marcus Rashford (8/10)
Made a positive impact with his pace but found it difficult to influence proceedings operating from wide areas.
Visible frustration led to several rushed shots that sailed harmlessly over or wide of the target.
Ferran Torres (7/10)
Worked tirelessly to create space for others but epitomised the attack’s bluntness by missing several guilt-edge opportunities.
His hard running opened channels yet lacked the clinical conversion needed to punish Osasuna’s defensive resilience.
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