Barcelona 2-0 Osasuna: Robert Lewandowski nets as Xavi’s side through to face Real Madrid in Supercopa final
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ByEurosport
Updated 11/01/2024 at 21:24 GMT
A mouthwatering Spanish Supercopa final awaits as Barcelona beat Osasuna in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to set up a Clasico meeting with old rivals Real Madrid. Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal were on the scoresheet for the Catalans, as Xavi’s side edged out their opponents with, in the end, some ease. Real beat their cross-city rivals Atleti on Wednesday to secure their place in Sunday's showpiece.
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Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-0 on Thursday night in the Spanish Supercopa semi-finals to set up a mouthwatering Clasico final against Real Madrid.
Barcelona were able to welcome midfielder Pedri back to the bench, and for Xavi this was the chance to take the pressure off his position after an underwhelming first half to the La Liga season.
The Catalans had the upper hand as they dominated possession in Riyadh, with Robert Lewandowski going the closest as Sergio Herrera saved well, and there was more frustration when Raphinha had to be subbed with an injury before the first half was out.
In the second period, Lewandowski scored after a fine assist from Ilkay Gundogan to break the stalemate, as the Pole finally made it into double figures for the season.
Osasuna appealed for a Frenkie De Jong foul in the build-up but their appeals were denied.
Lamine Yamal netted a fine late second for the Blaugrana after good work from Joao Felix.
Barcelona and Real Madrid will bid for the trophy on Sunday, after Los Blancos' 5-3 extra-time victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.
Talking point - Barcelona look off the pace
Osasuna sat back and waited for Barcelona and it took until the second half for them to concede. While Barcelona were clearly superior throughout, they rode their luck and only added a second when their opponents were chasing the game late on.
Against Real Madrid they will come up against much tougher opponents who will likely need fewer chances to grab a goal.
Xavi Hernandez will receive a huge boost for his position if he pulls off a win, but if they suffer a heavy defeat his job could be in danger.
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Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelone)
Image credit: Getty Images
Player of the match - Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
This was far from Lewandowski at his best, as an early miss proved. However the veteran forward proved the difference as he linked up with his old friend Ilkay Gundogan, and without the two former Borussia Dortmund players, Xavi Hernandez’s men would have struggled.
Player ratings
Barcelona: Pena 7, Balde 7 Araujo 7, Kounde 7, Christensen 7, Roberto 6, De Jong 7, Gundogan 7, Raphinha 6, Torres 6, Lewandowski 7. Subs: Pedri 6, Felix 7, Lamine Yamal 7.
Osasuna: Herrera 6, Areso 6, Catena 5, Cruz 6, David Garcia 6, Oroz 5, Munoz 6, Gomez 6, Pena 6, Budimir 6, Arnaiz 6. Subs: Moncayola 6, Barja 6, Ruben Garcia 6, Mojica 6, Raul 6.
Key events
6’ - CHRISTENSEN SHOT - Gundogan's corner from the right is headed up and it drops into Christensen's path, but his well-timed volley is beaten away. At the other end, Kounde scrambles the ball away as Arnaiz lunges at a low cross.
8’ - TORRES SHOT - Lewandowski seizes on a loose ball, slips in Torres, and his fierce shot from distance goes just wide.
9’ - ARESO CHANCE - He whips a shot at goal from inside the box, it's deflected and curls just wide of the post for a corner, which is just about cleared.
13’ - LEWANDOWSKI CHANCE - Slipped in by Sergi Roberto, he looks to curl the ball into the corner, but it's stopped by the keeper!
59’ - GOAL! BARCELONA 1- OSASUNA - LEWANDOWSKI SCORES - Gundogan picks out Lewandowski with a through-ball, the Pole controls well and then fires home with a low shot.
90+3' - BRILLIANT GOAL! BARCELONA 2-0 OSASUNA - YAMAL SCORES - Felix backheels a ball into space in his own half and receives a return pass. He skips forward, looking to waste time but then nutmegs his way into space. He finds Yamal, and he blasts low into the net.
Key stat
This was Robert Lewandowski’s first goal in open play since November.
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