Five things we learnt from Barcelona 4-0 Osasuna

If one needed to quote an example of domination, Barcelona’s game against Osasuna would not be a bad place to start.

From start to finish, there was only one team playing at Camp Nou. The visitors were pinned back into a passive gameplay while Xavi’s side exploited their shortcomings and capitalised without mercy.

The 4-0 win over the Pamplona outfit puts the team in third position with a game in hand over Real Betis. However, their next two league games are against top-placed Real Madrid and Sevilla.

Bearing that in mind, the win against Osasuna was critical, and the Blaugranas did it in some style.

1. Xavi: the master planner

Back to back clashes against quality oppositions often rattle managers as to their gameplan. While the best players are needed for all the games, it is only their judicious use that brings the best out of the team.

Barcelona are in a similar situation. Two complicated league clashes await them, in addition to a must-win tie against Galatasaray in midweek. With their next two games in less than a week, Xavi made sure he did not burn out any of his players.

Ronald Araujo was given a complete rest since he will be an undisputed starter for all three upcoming clashes. Frenkie de Jong was benched on the evening alongside Adama Traore.

Key players like Pedri, Gerard Pique, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Jordi Alba were quickly withdrawn in the second half. The players who came on were equally surprising.

The likes of Sergino Dest, Nico Gonzalez, Luuk de Jong all stayed on the bench, with lesser-used players like Riqui Puig, Oscar Mingueza, Clement Lenglet, and Martin Braithwaite given minutes against Osasuna.

2. Ousmane Dembele steals the show

Never has Dembele been more involved in a game than he was on Sunday. The Frenchman blew away the Camp Nou with his nonchalant dribbles, accurate passing and decisiveness. He seemed to make no mistake, with his every touch bearing purpose.

The winger had 93 touches on the night and registered two assists. His first assist involved an exquisite ball threaded through the Osasuna defence to find Ferran Torres. Later, his ball into Aubameyang resulted in a goal too.

In addition, Dembele completed 100% of his dribbles, took three shots and had a whopping five key passes. He created two big chances, provided seven crosses and missed a big chance.

3. Ferran’s return to confidence

A lot has been made over Torres’ poor form in front of the goal. In support of his player, Xavi said that once his confidence returned, the winger would be an incredible goal-scoring threat. The world was witness to the same on Sunday.

Torres began his night by stepping up to take the penalty and executed it cleanly. Just a few minutes later, he received the ball in a tight in the box, but calmly nutmegged the goalkeeper.

The youngster could have found no better time to return to the scoresheet. With games up against Real Madrid and Galatasaray, Ferran Torres will be one of the most vital components of Barcelona’s attack.

4. How is Gavi 17?!

Barcelona’s academy has seen thousands of young talents graduate, especially in midfield. Yet, few prove to possess the tenacity and drive like Gavi.

The 17-year-old continues to deliver high-level performances one after the other. His incredible work-rate and incisive passing make him an asset second to none.

Gavi against Osasuna:

– 70 passes
– 1 key pass
– 5/6 successful dribbles
– 9/13 ground duels won
– 3 tackles
– 4 interceptions
– 1 penalty won pic.twitter.com/MF7CpRQxGm

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 13, 2022

Against Osasuna, Gavi was everywhere. The teenager won tackles all around the field and had 102 touches. He completed five successful dribbles and also won the initial penalty for Barcelona. Moreover, he had three interceptions and three tackles.

Rightfully so, the Camp Nou began chanting his name towards the end of the game in appreciation for his tremendous shift.

5. Clinical masterclass

In the last two games, Barcelona struggled heavily in front of goal. Despite creating a plethora of chances, the Catalans failed to put the ball away more than twice. It was quite contrary to the situation that preceded it when the team was scoring for fun.

Against Osasuna, Barcelona took 14 shots and scored four goals. More interestingly, their four goals came off five shots on target.

Up ahead is a period where the Catalans cannot afford to be sloppy in the final third. Barcelona already struggled to score past Galatasaray in the first leg, and a clinical second leg display is now a need.

Moreover, they cannot expect too many chances against Real Madrid or Sevilla. The conversion rate must be kept high, for this is a decisive stage of the team’s season.