Barcelona survived a nervous opening spell to overcome Osasuna 3-0 in Pamplona this evening, and once again the star was the wonderful Lionel Messi.The Argentine's through pass set up Pedro to score the opening goal then in the second half controlled the encounter, scoring a breakaway goal for the second, before sealing the win with a late penalty, as the Catalan giants suffer no hangover from their Clasico victory.
With the farcical scenes before the match, with confusion over whether the fixture would even take place, Barcelona started in a manner in keeping with their travel arrangements - disorganised.
Osasuna, buoyed by a fantastic home support, made things uncomfortable for the Blaugrana back-four from the off, with Juanfran troubling Eric Abidal on the left.
Indeed Los Rojillos’ wide man should have been awarded a penalty following a coming together with Pedro, but the referee waved play on, and that incident sparked Pep Guardiola’s side into action.
Messi begun to take control, and produce the kind of slick passing and penetrating runs that has typified his performances this season. Before the half hour mark, his deft pass had set up the opening goal.
A through ball similar to the one provided to David Villa in El Clasico sent Pedro free, and the winger held his nerve to slam past Ricardo into the net.
At that point the goal was slightly against the run of play, but the match soon descended into another Messi procession. Minutes after the opener, his low shot cannoned off of the knee of Ricardo and smashed off the post.
However, he was not to be denied. On 66 minutes David Villa sent the Argentina acce clear on goal, his first touch perfectly set up the chance, and his low drive was clinically despatched.
Osasuna, to their credit, continued to attack and attempt to create chances, but their early exuberance had long since waned, and after David Villa should have added a third, Messi added a full stop to the result.
He was brought down unceremoniously inside the area by Sergio, and he ruthlessly slotted home the spotkick, sending Ricardo the wrong way.
The win edges Barcelona five points clear at the top of the Primera Division table, while Osasuna may reflect on a missed opportunity to cause problems to the unprepared champions.
