FC Barcelona moved three points clear of Real Madrid and seven ahead of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga after winning a rescheduled game 3-0 at home against Osasuna on Thursday night.
Barca was without Raphinha and Ronald Araujo after their World Cup qualifiers, although Araujo was on the bench having not played in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw in Bolivia.
The result never looked to be in doubt after Barca took the lead in the ninth minute when Ferran Torres, who started ahead of Robert Lewandowski, finished from close range after excellent work from Alejandro Balde.
Ferran had a chance to double the lead minutes later after a sumptuous pass from Pedri, but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera closed him down to make a block.
Herrera was slightly unlucky to concede a penalty in the 20th minute after colliding with Dani Olmo. It seemed as if the Osasuna goalkeeper occupied the space before Olmo collided into him, but the referee pointed to the spot.
Herrera saved Olmo’s first spot-kick, but the penalty was retaken after Osasuna midfielder Jon Moncayola encroached into the area and Olmo scored at the second attempt.
The Spain forward had to leave the game minutes later with a muscle problem, and was soon followed by Osasuna’s Iker Munoz, before Pedri grazed the Osasuna bar with a free kick.
Pablo Torre replaced Frenkie de Jong – another player who had had a packed international schedule – at halftime, but Barca continued to create chances, with Lamine Yamal firing high and Ferran Torres going just wide.
Robert Lewandowski came on as a substitute after 60 minutes and headed home Barca’s third with 13 minutes left after a pinpoint cross from Torre.
Pau Victor saw a chance blocked by Herrera in the closing minutes. Barcelona’s next game is at home to Girona on Sunday.
