Barcelona's Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Osasuna

 Barcelona's Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Osasuna

Barcelona's Thrilling 2-1 Victory Over Osasuna(Image-Getty)

In a thrilling LaLiga clash on Sunday, Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Osasuna, thanks to a late penalty converted by Robert Lewandowski. This win marked the defending champions' third consecutive victory after starting the season with a goalless draw against Getafe.

Barcelona began the match strongly and came close to opening the scoring in just the second minute when Frenkie de Jong's shot hit the post, and Lewandowski failed to convert the rebound from point-blank range with an empty net at his mercy.

Ilkay Gundogan also squandered a golden opportunity shortly afterward, mishitting a loose ball in the box after a Lamine Yamal strike was blocked by a wall of defenders.

The home side, Osasuna, had their own scoring chance, with Aimar Oroz testing Barca goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen, who made an impressive one-handed save to push the close-range strike wide of the post.

Barcelona took the lead in added time before halftime, with Jules Kounde heading in a corner delivered by Gundogan. However, Osasuna's Chimy Avila equalized in the 76th minute with a sensational curling shot from the edge of the box that found the back of the net off the right post.

Just five minutes later, shortly after substitutes Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix made their debuts, Barcelona was awarded a penalty when Alejandro Catena grabbed Lewandowski's right arm inside the box. Catena received a red card for the foul, and the Polish striker calmly slotted home the spot-kick with a precise finish to the goalkeeper's left.

Barcelona's manager, Xavi Hernandez, commented on the match, saying, "We lacked quality play and patience. We need to create more in the attack. We worked hard, suffered too much, but earned what were three very difficult points."

With this victory, Barcelona sits in third place in the LaLiga standings with 10 points, level with Girona, and trailing league leaders Real Madrid by just two points.