Five key stats from Osasuna 0-2 Barcelona

After a thrilling comeback against Sevilla in midweek playing 120 minutes, Barcelona looked visibly exhausted as Ronald Koeman started pretty much the same team. After a few initial minutes without any control in the game, Barcelona took the lead through a moment of individual brilliance from Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba who combined for a sensational goal. Messi then registered his second assist of the afternoon as Ilaix Moriba scored his first goal for the club with a spectacular hit into the top corner.

Far from an impressive display, but crucial three points. These are the stats that dominated Barcelona’s win over Osasuna.

Defence

Oscar Mingueza, yet again, was the standout performer in the backline. But behind him, it was Marc-Andre ter Stegen who took home the Man of the Match award and all the plaudits. The German shot-stopper came up clutch in the first half, making two sensational saves, of which was from point-blank range.

Ter Stegen has saved 17 of the last 23 shots on target he has faced for Barcelona in La Liga.

— Opta pic.twitter.com/PC3dKSvMHq

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 6, 2021

Midfield

Over in the centre of the park, all eyes were on Ilaix who could not have found a better way to register his first goal for the club. Taking the ball on the right foot from a Leo Messi lay-off, the Spaniard quickly shuffled the ball onto his weaker foot, but made no mistake with the hit.

Ilaix Moriba is the youngest player to score from outside the box in La Liga this season.

— Opta pic.twitter.com/iSkfQW79Jn

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 6, 2021

Pedri, yet again, proved why he will be the face of the club for several years to come. He was constantly involved in the game, and continued to look for opportunities to string through balls.

Pedri has become the youngest player with 100+ touches in a La Liga game since 2005/06. Gem.

— Opta pic.twitter.com/p6ZQkU27DA

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 6, 2021

Attack

Lionel Messi continued to create havoc in the attack for Osasuna despite looking far from his best. He made six key passes, and registered two assists from those. What is interesting is that both of his assists on the night were to La Masia graduates – Jordi Alba and Ilaix Moriba.

With his assist to Ilaix last night, Messi has now given 100 assists to La Masia graduates.

— @Barca19stats pic.twitter.com/60eYBi4pAN

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 7, 2021

Ilaix and Ansu Fati have played together several times with the academy and it seems their friendship has rubbed off in a positive way. Fati, too, scored his first goal for Barcelona away at Osasuna last season.

Fun fact: Ilaix and Fati have both scored their first Barcelona goals away against Osasuna. pic.twitter.com/jg1SYE8R59

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 6, 2021