Robert Lewandowski rolled residence a late penalty to earn Barcelona a hard-fought 2-1 win at Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday. The striker received the penalty when he was tugged again within the field by Alejandro Catena, who was despatched off. Barcelona took the lead by way of Jules Kounde’s header within the first half however Chimy Avila drilled the hosts degree with lower than quarter-hour remaining. Xavi introduced on new mortgage signings Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix within the second half as Barcelona, third, stayed on league leaders Actual Madrid’s tail — they’re two factors behind their arch-rivals after 4 video games.

The coach began 16-year-old Lamine Yamal on the proper wing once more after his spectacular show final weekend and his first name as much as the Spanish nationwide staff on Friday.

Nonetheless it was veteran ahead Lewandowski’s penalty which was essential for Barcelona this time.

“I feel we lacked some good play, some persistence, and now we have to generate extra in assault,” Barca coach Xavi advised DAZN.

“The staff labored laborious, we actually needed to at this time, and the staff suffered, however we received. We had the persona to endure till the tip and it is all the time troublesome to win at El Sadar.

“I am pleased with the staff’s angle … they’re a really intense opponent. I am content material and glad with the victory.”

Barca ought to have taken the lead early on however Lewandowski fired large with the aim gaping after Frenkie de Jong‘s effort rebounded off the submit into his path.

Osasuna, usually laborious to beat at residence, supplied nearly as good as they obtained within the first half.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen denied former Barcelona ahead Jose Arnaiz at his close to submit after which thwarted Aimar Oroz, who ought to have completed higher when nicely positioned.

Barcelona snatched the lead simply earlier than half-time when Kounde rose to nod Ilkay Gundogan‘s nook throughout aim and past the dive of Aitor Fernandez.

– New faces –
Xavi introduced on new arrival Joao Cancelo simply earlier than the hour mark, together with his Portuguese compatriot Joao Felix having to attend till the ultimate levels for his debut.

By then Osasuna had been degree, with Avila dribbling throughout the face of the field with out ample interference and firing previous Ter Stegen.

Final season’s prime scorer in La Liga, Lewandowski, who was having one other irritating night time, turned it round by successful and changing a penalty to revive Barcelona’s lead.

The Polish ahead hit the deck after Catena pulled his arm again, and the defender was despatched off after a protracted VAR evaluation, earlier than the 35-year-old despatched Fernandez the unsuitable manner from the spot.

A 3rd Barcelona debutant, centre-back Inigo Martinez, got here on in stoppage time.

“We all know it is all the time very laborious to win right here, they are a staff with excellent gamers they usually put nice depth on,” mentioned Kounde.

“(Felix and Cancelo) are two excellent gamers with expertise at a excessive degree.

“They are going to give us a lift in an attacking sense, they each have excellent technical skill.”

Girona climbed to second earlier Sunday after Portu‘s late strike earned the Catalan facet a 1-0 win in opposition to promoted facet Las Palmas, 18th.

The winger returned to Girona from Getafe this summer time and made a swift impression after being given his second ‘debut’ in its place.

Atletico Madrid’s sport in opposition to Sevilla was referred to as off due to anticipated torrential rain within the Spanish capital, though the expected downpour didn’t materialise within the time the sport was scheduled to happen.

League leaders Actual Madrid beat Getafe 2-1 on Saturday with one other late Jude Bellingham winner, sustaining their 100% begin to the season.

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