PAMPLONA: Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski converted a late penalty to guide Barcelona to their third victory in the ongoing La Liga season over Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium on Sunday.
The visitors Barcelona started the game on high with De Jong striking the post, however, Lewandowski missed the rebound to everyone’s surprise. Osasuna got alert after this early attack and started to challenge Barcelona’s defence in a bid to get the upper hand.
Barcelona missed another chance in the 12th minute as Ilkay Gundogan failed to convert an attempt from the six-yard box.
Meanwhile, Osasuna also looked to attack and put together a good passing move in the 31st minute as Aimar Oroz arrived in the box to shoot, but Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen was able to push it away and saved the goal for his team.
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Both teams fought well to not allow the goal to the other team, however, Barcelona managed to get the lead, thanks to a header by Jules Koundé minutes before halftime.
Both teams made triple substitutions around the 60-minute mark in the second half to bring fresh legs to take the game forward. The home side’s substitution paid well as Chimy Avila who replaced José Arnáiz, scored in the 76th minute to provoke the biggest cheer of the night from the home crowd making it 1-1 with about 15 minutes to go.
However, Osasuna’s Alejandro Catena was handed a red card following a bad foul in the penalty area, awarding a penalty to Barcelona, which was successfully converted by Robert Lewandowski to give the match-winning lead to the visitors.
In another La Liga clash, Atheltic Club and Mallorca settled for a goalless draw after a hard-fought game at Iberostar Stadium, while, Girona edged past Las Palmas after a late goal by Portu at Montilivi.
The defending La Liga champions Barcelona will now face Real Betis on Saturday, September 17 in their fifth match this season.
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