A brief trip to Saudi Arabia may have been just what the doctor ordered for Xavi and Barcelona, with the Blaugrana able to put their difficult domestic campaign to one side as their focus turned to the annual Supercopa de Espana jaunt to the Middle East.
Fresh from Real Madrid’s victory over Atletico Madrid in the first semi-final on Wednesday, Barcelona ensured that the Saudi crowd will see an El Clasico final with a 2-0 victory over Osasuna on Thursday.
Ferran Torres had the first chance of the game for a Barcelona side that, in truth, was playing its best football for weeks.
Osasuna invited pressure on with the way they setup, however the former Manchester City forward sent a shot from the edge of the box whistling past the post.
It was a warning for Osasuna that Barcelona were on their game, but it was one which wasn’t heeded.
Robert Lewandowski was then played through inside the penalty area, drilling a first-time shot low towards the bottom right corner of the goal, however Sergio Herrera was able to deny him with a stunningly agile save.
This level of pressure was surely unsustainable for Osasuna’s defense, but they rode their luck right through to half-time, with Lewandowski once again missing a chance to put Los Cules 1-0 up.
This time the opportunity came from a corner, which the Polish forward met with a stunning header, however again the ball flash wide of the post.
Alejandro Catena then made a poor challenge and was shown a yellow card, however VAR encouraged the referee to reassess his decision.
After reviewing the footage, it was determined that the offense wasn’t enough for a red-card.
Lewandowski eventually found the breakthrough
As the second-half played out, it was beginning to feel like another potentially frustrating evening for Xavi and co.
Lamine Yamal celebrates after wrapping up proceedingsEFE
Ferran Torres fired over the bar from close range, whilst Ronald Araujo missed the target with a header from 12 yards out.
Yet, after an hour of football Barcelona finally opened the scoring, and it came through Lewandowski.
His persistence was rewarded as he collected a brilliant pass in the penalty area and sent a low shot into the bottom corner, smartly aiming across the keeper.
VAR looked at the goal to determine if there was a foul in the build-up, but it was allowed to stand.
Barcelona secured their victory in the third minute of injury-time with Joao Felix providing a chance for Lamine Yamal.
The La Masia graduate fired a driven shot into the net, ensuring Barcelona’s progress into the final where they will meet rivals Real Madrid.
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