On a freezing December afternoon, FC Barcelona reaffirmed their position at the top of La Liga after a 2-0 victory over a resilient Osasuna. The match, held this Saturday, December 13th, was defined by the absolute dominance of Hansi Flick’s side and the clinical finishing of Raphinha, who emerged as the hero with a decisive brace.

From the opening whistle, the Blaugrana side set the tone. With a midfield led by Pedri’s vision and Casadó’s dynamism, Barça pinned the Navarrese side back in their own half. However, the defensive wall set up by Vicente Moreno held firm throughout the first half. Budimir gave a warning with a long-range strike in the 19th minute that Joan García handled without trouble, while 'Tiburón' Torres had a goal disallowed for offside, leaving the score level at the break.

The Raphinha Factor

The home side's persistence paid off in the second half. In the 70th minute, the 'Rojillo' resistance finally broke: Pedri threaded a precise ball through to Raphinha, who, after finding his angle at the edge of the box, fired a low strike that tucked inside the right post. The Spotify Camp Nou erupted in joy as they took a well-deserved lead.

Osasuna tried to respond by bringing on Iker Muñoz, but Barcelona remained in total control. With four minutes left on the clock, Raphinha sealed the win by capitalizing on a great cross into the area and finishing with class inside the left post.

With this victory, Barcelona consolidates their lead and maintains their devastating home winning streak under the Flick era. Meanwhile, Osasuna returns to Pamplona having competed well but ultimately succumbing to the leaders' hierarchy. The countdown to the end of the year continues with Barça firmly at the top.