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Barcelona Dominates Osasuna: Gavi Shines, La Liga Lead Extends
Barcelona secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Osasuna in a La Liga clash marked by both impressive performance and controversy. The win, secured at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, extends Barcelona's lead at the top of the table to three points, leaving them seven clear of Atletico Madrid with ten games remaining. The match, originally postponed due to the tragic passing of Barcelona's club doctor, also saw the return of Gavi to the starting lineup, a performance that drew high praise from manager Hansi Flick.
Gavi's Captain's Performance
Gavi, wearing the captain's armband, delivered a standout performance after recovering from a serious injury. Flick lauded the 20-year-old's professionalism and commitment, highlighting his readiness even when coming off the bench. "Gavi had a great game today," Flick stated, emphasizing his pride in the midfielder's contribution. This impressive display further solidified Gavi’s importance to the team.
A Dominant Display Despite Challenges
The match saw Barcelona control possession and create numerous chances, despite several key players missing due to fatigue following the international break and injuries. Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing a well-worked team goal. Dani Olmo, who won a penalty for his trouble, doubled Barcelona's lead, though his celebration was short-lived due to a subsequent injury. Robert Lewandowski, added a third with a late header. The impressive victory extended Barcelona's unbeaten run to an incredible 19 matches across all competitions in 2025.
Controversy and Concerns
The rescheduled fixture, falling a day after the international break, caused frustration within the Barcelona camp. Manager Hansi Flick voiced his displeasure, and players like Jules Kounde expressed their concern about the demanding schedule. Furthermore, Osasuna is reportedly considering an appeal against Inigo Martinez's participation, questioning whether his presence violated FIFA regulations regarding injury withdrawals from international duty.
Looking Ahead: Girona and Beyond
Despite the victory, Olmo's injury casts a shadow over Barcelona's upcoming fixtures. With a crucial match against Girona looming and the second leg of their Copa del Rey tie against Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Flick faces the challenge of managing his squad's fitness and maintaining their winning momentum. Barcelona's continued success hinges on navigating these challenges effectively and continuing their impressive form.
