Debut for Joao Felix and Cancelo in Lewandowski powered Barcelona win

Debut for Joao Felix and Cancelo in Lewandowski powered Barcelona win

Faruq Ibrahim 22:00 - 03.09.2023

Xavi Hernandez's Barcelona keep pace with Real Madrid with victory over Osasuna.

Barcelona head into the international break with a win thanks to a controversial late penalty by Robert Lewandowski.

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Jacoba Arasate's men hosted last season's champions at Pamplona and were close to getting a result but for a late red card and penalty.

How it happened 

Osasuna came into the game off the back of a disappointing midweek, where they were knocked out of the UEFA conference league in the play-offs. 

The midweek business meant a heavily rotated side as Arasate made nine changes to his starting lineup. 

This was not noticeable in the game, however, as the hosts put out a remarkable performance against last season's LALIGA champions.

Xavi's side came close to scoring within the first minute of the match but failed. They had to wait until first-half stoppage time to find the opener in the match after an end-to-end 45-plus minutes.  

The French centre-back rose highest and directed a Gundogan corner kick into the right side of Aitor Fernandez's goal. 

The second half was similar to the first, with Barcelona having a lot of sterile possession and Osasuna looking dangerous in offensive transitions. 

Los Rojillos finally bit Barcelona after Barking all half thanks to a wonder striker by substitute Chimy Avila in the 76th minute of the encounter. 

Joao Cancelo had been on before the equaliser, and Joao Felix was brought on after as Xavi tried to push for a win. 

Barcelona soon got a breakthrough when Lewandowski was fouled by Alejandro Catena in the box. Upon VAR review, the former Rayo Vallecano defender was red-carded, and the Blaugrana were awarded a penalty. 

The Polish striker made no mistake, rolling the ball past Fernandez. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Osasuna pushed and came close to an equaliser on a number of occasions, but the visitors were lucky, going back home with a 2-1 victory. 

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