Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona: Lewandowski and Torres strike late to put Barca on brink of title

Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres scored late goals as Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 to move 14 points clear at the top of La Liga.

The visitors, who dominated possession but struggled for cutting edge for much of the evening, broke the deadlock in the 81st minute when substitute Marcus Rashford delivered a pinpoint cross for Robert Lewandowski to power home a header.

Ferran Torres appeared to have made the points safe five minutes later, sliding a composed finish through the legs of Sergio Herrera after a slick exchange with Fermin Lopez. However, Osasuna, who have scored in every home league game this season, ensured a frantic finish when substitute Raul Garcia de Haro headed in from Abel Bretones’ cross just two minutes later.

The victory leaves Hansi Flick’s side 14 points clear of Real Madrid. Should Madrid fail to beat Espanyol on Sunday, Barcelona will be crowned champions with four games to spare. If Real win, the Blaugrana could secure the trophy in next weekend’s El Clasico.

For long periods, it seemed the celebrations would have to wait. Osasuna were the more threatening side in a cagey first half, with Ante Budimir twice going close. The Croatian striker saw a solo effort clip the outside of the post before forcing a fingertip save from Joan Garcia with a curling long-range strike.

Barcelona’s frustration grew after the interval when Dani Olmo saw a goalbound effort heroically blocked by Alejandro Catena. Flick responded with a triple substitution, introducing Rashford, Torres, and Frenkie de Jong, a move that eventually dismantled the stubborn Osasuna rearguard.

Despite a late surge from the hosts that saw goalkeeper Herrera join the attack for a final corner, Barcelona held firm to record their 10th consecutive league win and put one hand on the trophy.