On 31 January, one of the matches of the 20th round of the Spanish football championship took place. Barcelona (Spain) and Osasuna (Pamplona) met.
Spanish Championship, 20th round
Barcelona ( Spain) - Osasuna (Pamplona) - 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Vitor Roque (63)
Warnings: Unai Garcia (16), Pedri (53), Unai Garcia (67).
Barcelona defeated Osasuna in a tense La Liga match played at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companis. Despite a goalless first half, Barcelona managed to secure a 1-0 victory by showing their prowess on the pitch. The match started with high energy, with both teams showing their desire to achieve victory. In the 7th minute, Barcelona made a substitution, replacing F. Torres with F. Lopez. This early change demonstrated the team's tactical approach and their desire to seize the advantage in the game. As the match progressed, the tension grew, leading to yellow cards. In the 16th minute U. Garcia, an Osasuna player, received a warning from the referee, emphasising the physical nature of the encounter. In the 53rd minute, Barcelona's Pedri also received a yellow card, reflecting the intense competition between the rivals. In the 62nd minute, Barcelona made another substitution, replacing F. Lopez with Vitor Roque. The substitution proved to be very important, as just a minute later Vitor Roque scored the only goal of the match. This breakthrough provided Barcelona with a much-needed advantage, which they intended to maintain until the final whistle. In the 67th minute U. Garcia, an Osasuna player, received a second yellow card, which led to a red card and suspension from the game.
This incident seriously affected Osasuna's chances of getting back into the game and put Barcelona in a more favourable position. "Osasuna responded to the player's suspension by making three substitutions at once in the 68th minute. J.M. Arnaiz, A. Budimir and A. Oros were replaced by R. Garcia, D. Brasanac and P. Ibáñez respectively. The intention behind these changes was obvious - to reorganise the team and find a way to break down Barcelona's defence. In the later stages of the game, Barcelona also made tactical adjustments, releasing O. Romeu instead of Pedri in the 77th minute. This decision was aimed at strengthening the midfield and keeping control of the game in the final minutes of the match. As time ran out, Osasuna tried to get back on track by releasing J. Moncayola and L. Tor Torres. Moncaiola and L. Torro in the 83rd minute in place of C. Barhi and P. Ibáñez respectively. However, despite their efforts, Barcelona defended staunchly and kept their advantage. The final whistle announced Barcelona's triumph in the match. The 1-0 victory not only secured the three crucial points for Barcelona, but also emphasised their ability to get results even in hard fought games. As for Osasuna, they fought valiantly throughout the game but ultimately failed to equalise. The match between Barcelona and Osasuna at the Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companis showed all the sharpness and competitiveness of La Liga. With the score 1-0 in Barcelona's favour, both teams showed their determination, tactical skill and a strong desire to win.
In the next round the following matches await the rivals: Alaves - Barcelona, Osasuna - Celta.
| Barcelona | Osasuna | |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Kicks to the goal | 1 |
| 16 | Blows | 8 |
| 6 | Blocked shots | 2 |
| 12 | Penalty kicks | 6 |
| 4 | Kicks from outside the penalty box | 2 |
| 8 | Offences | 12 |
| 6 | Corner | 5 |
| 4 | Offsides | 2 |
| 68% | Ball possession | 32% |
| 1 | Yellow cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red cards | 1 |
| 1 | Keeper saves | 3 |
| 626 | Total assists | 293 |
| 558 | Accurate assists | 216 |
| 89% | Accuracy of passes | 74% |