Osasuna vs. FC Barcelona – Spanish La Liga
With the second half kicking off in Osasuna’s home ground it was seen that none of the sides decided to make changes as both the coaches looked satisfied with their players’ performance. Last season Barcelona were the ones who managed to equalize late during
the same fixture and Guardiola was definitely hoping to take all the three points especially with his side scoring the only goal of the game during the first half with the help of the Spanish striker Pedro Rodriguez after a lovely ball from Lionel Messi.
The game’s pace was slow in the second half as well even though a lot of passes were flying around. Osasuna were looking dangerous on crosses while Barcelona were trying to hold the ball as much as they could in order to stall and create a chance for the
second goal. The change did eventually come and that too came with the help of Lionel Messi who got past three Osasuna players and after a deflection coming from Sergio, the Argentinean passed the ball onto David Villa who found himself alone on the right
side of the danger zone but the Spaniard overpowered his shot and only managed to find the crowd with it.
During the second half it was the Osasuna striker Camunas who went off as he made way for Pandiani, another impressive striker for the home team. The Spaniards were now looking to build on the momentum that they gained during the first few minutes of the
second half; however, the Catalan giants were trying to play it simple to keep most of the possession of the ball.
Osasuna’s second substitution came during the 61st minute as the Catalan defence looked very strong. It was the tall and strong striker Dejan Lekic who came on for . The oncoming striker only had a little less than 30 minutes to impress himself;
however, he did come on to bring change to the style of play as Osasuna were looking to be totally relying on their wings and crosses because they had a strong “head” inside the 18 yard box.
Despite the fact that Osasuna were the ones changing their tactics to change the cause of the game, it was the Spanish Champions Barcelona who managed to score the second to their name. It was again the Argentinean maestro Lionel Messi who managed to score
an outstanding goal and right when David Villa played an extraordinary through ball for the “little man,” Lionel Messi managed to outrun the Osasuna defender and finished the ball into the net to help his side take control of the game with a two goal margin.
The third substitution for the home team came during the 77th minute as Patxi Punal went off for the second highest goal scorer for Osasuna this season, Lolo. Lolo could play up front as a winger or as a midfielder but he came on as an “attacking
midfielder” for Osasuna.
Barcelona finally made their first substitution during the 81st minute of the game and it was Xavi Hernandez who went off for Seydou Keita as Barcelona were now playing two holding midfielders with Keita and Busquets combining right behind Andres
Iniesta.
As soon as the substitution took place, it was Lionel Messi who managed to find himself alone with the ball in the penalty area and while trying to find his place towards the goal, the Argentinean was taken down by the Osasuna defender and the penalty was
awarded by the referee. Lionel Messi was the one who had to take the penalty and by sending the goalkeeper towards the wrong way, Messi managed to find his 15th goal of the season.
Bojan Krkic and Jeffren came on for David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez during the 87th minute. Of course no one could simply forget how the two managed to combine during the game against Real Madrid as Jeffren scored on a Bojan assist.
The game ended with Barcelona winning it 0-3 away from home keeping a perfect all-win away form. It was a special win for the Catalan giants as they won on a difficult ground and the goals only helped them take good control of the points table as they went
to the top, leading Real Madrid with 5 points as Madrid were still to play their game after Barcelona – against Valencia.
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