Lewandowski earns Barca tight win
ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI rolled home a late penalty to earn Barcelona a hard-fought 2-1 win at Osasuna in La Liga yesterday.
The striker won the penalty when he was tugged back in the box by Alejandro Catena, who was sent off.
Barcelona took the lead through Jules Kounde’s header in the first half but Chimy Avila drilled the hosts level with less than 15 minutes remaining.
Xavi brought on new loan signings Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix in the second half as Barcelona, third, stayed on league leaders Real Madrid’s tail – they are two points behind their arch-rivals after four games.
The coach started 16-year-old Lamine Yamal on the right wing again after his impressive display last weekend and his first call up to the Spanish national team on Friday.
However it was veteran forward Lewandowski’s penalty which was crucial for Barcelona this time.
“I think we lacked some good play, some patience, and we have to generate more in attack,” Barca coach Xavi told DAZN.
“The team worked hard, we really had to today, and the team suffered, but we won. We had the personality to suffer until the end and it’s always difficult to win at El Sadar.
“I’m happy with the team’s attitude... they are a very intense opponent. I’m content and satisfied with the victory.”
Barcelona snatched the lead just before halftime when Kounde rose to nod Ilkay Gundogan’s corner beyond Aitor Fernandez but
Osasuna were level after Avila fired past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Lewandowski, who was having another frustrating night, turned it around by winning and converting a penalty to restore Barcelona’s lead.
“We know it’s always very hard to win here, they’re a team with very good players and they put great intensity on,“said Kounde.