European football: Raphinha sinks Osasuna to consolidate Barcelonaβs lead
Real Madrid, who play on Sunday, now trail by seven points
Leverkusenβs Terrier hits back-heel volley against Cologne
Raphinha struck twice late in the second half as Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a resolute Osasuna side, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points. Hansi Flickβs men now sit on 43 points, comfortably clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand and play at AlavΓ©s on Sunday.
Despite their control of the game, Barcelona struggled to break down Osasunaβs deep defensive block until the 70th minute when Pedriβs incisive pass cut through the visitorsβ defence, finding Raphinha in his stride. The Brazilian forward took a controlled touch before unleashing a thunderous strike from the edge of the area, the ball arrowing inside the left post to finally break the deadlock. Raphinha sealed the win in the 86th minute. A deflected cross from Jules KoundΓ© on the right found the Brazilian unmarked at the far post, and he calmly volleyed the ball into an empty net, giving the scoreline a more comfortable look.
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Β© Photograph: Europa Press Sports/Europa Press/Getty Images

Β© Photograph: Europa Press Sports/Europa Press/Getty Images

Β© Photograph: Europa Press Sports/Europa Press/Getty Images