The reigning Pichichi holder scored the first goal as Barca's 16-year-old sensation added a late second to set up a cup final matchup with Real Madrid
Robert Lewandowski, quite simply, missed until he scored. Barcelona's star striker seemed poised to continue his poor run, squandering countless chances against Osasuna. But then, out of nowhere, he found the net, bagging the first goal in a 2-0 win in the Spanish Supercopa semi-final to set up a clash with Real Madrid and a chance to defend their title.
Lewandowski had the Blaugrana's most apparent chance early on, but saw his close-range effort denied. Barca had further chances in the opening period. Ferran Torres launched one wide from distance. Lewandowski squandered another. Osasuna, for their part, probed and prodded the Barca backline, forcing Inaki Pena into a handful of saves.
But the striker finally came alive after the break. He opened the scoring, muscling off two defenders before firing an effort into the bottom corner. Substitute Joao Felix almost made it two after creating a clever angle, but saw his curler flicked around the post.
Barca controlled the remainder of proceedings, only letting Osasuna into the game by virtue of failing to find the net from critical areas. A late goal from the impressive Lamine Yamal put things beyond doubt.
They will surely have to be more clinical on Sunday, but Barca will relish the chance to pip Madrid to another trophy.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Al-Awwal Stadium…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (6/10):
Made a few neat saves — with a shaky moment or two mixed in.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Tidy, if unspectacular at right-back. Went about his work effectively, didn't do much wrong.
Ronald Araujo (7/10):
Rinsed in the first half, and was one poor finish away from being on a football fail compilation. Much improved after the break.
Andreas Christensen (7/10):
A lot more comfortable alongside his more familiar centre-back partner. Made some crucial interventions late on.
Alejandro Balde (5/10):
Back in the lineup after a conspicuous absence. Improved, but still far off the levels he set last year.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Ilkay Gundogan (8/10):
Assisted Lewandowski's opener with a delightful angled pass. Sprayed it to the wings effectively, too. He's arguably been Barca's best player this year.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Less effective without a proper No.6 next to him, but was still graceful on the ball and controlling in midfield areas.
Sergi Roberto (6/10):
Full of energy — but not much quality — in central midfield. A valuable hour of work.
Getty ImagesAttack
Raphinha (4/10):
Didn't make much of an impact before being removed with an apparent leg injury.
Robert Lewandowski (7/10):
Missed the kind of chance he would usually bury in the first half. Squandered another shortly after. Took his goal brilliantly, though.
Ferran Torres (5/10):
Fired narrowly wide from distance in the first half, and failed to offer much after that.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Came on for the injured Raphinha, and showed exactly why he should have started. Excellent at finding all of the right angles, and posed a threat of his own. Deserved his goal.
Joao Felix (7/10):
Brought real energy off the bench. Provided a lot going forward, and also went about his defensive work well. Assisted Yamal's goal.
Pedri (6/10):
Another return from another injury. A few nice touches, included a delightful roulette pass, but overall off the pace.
Xavi (7/10):
Made some bold decisions, dropping Joao Felix and reverting back to a 4-3-3. The Blaugrana created plenty of chances in the first half but simply couldn't capitalise. They weren't miles better after the break, but crucially took their chances. This was reasonably comfortable, if not entirely convincing.