Raphinha’s late double sends Barcelona seven points clear in la liga

Raphinha struck twice in the second half as Barcelona eventually wore down a resolute Osasuna to move seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, Sport360NG reports.

The reigning champions dominated possession and chances but were held at bay for much of the contest, registering 21 attempts to Osasuna’s three before the breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute.

Raphinha opened the scoring with a precise finish from the edge of the penalty area, curling the ball into the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. He then sealed the victory four minutes from time, reacting quickest at the far post to turn in a deflected cross.

Barcelona had earlier seen a first-half goal disallowed. Ferran Torres appeared to have put the hosts ahead in the 23rd minute when he headed home Marcus Rashford’s cross after timing his run perfectly. However, a VAR review ruled out the effort after Raphinha was judged to be marginally offside in the build-up from a short corner.

Torres went close again soon after, meeting Lamine Yamal’s inviting inswinging delivery, but his first-time effort sailed over the crossbar.

Despite spending long spells defending, Osasuna threatened on the counter after the interval. Victor Munoz burst past Alejandro Balde early in the second half but dragged his shot wide with only goalkeeper Joan Garcia to beat.

Barcelona’s persistence eventually paid off when Pedri surged forward from midfield and picked out Raphinha, who finished clinically to break the deadlock. With Osasuna’s resistance broken, the Brazilian added a second late on to ensure the points.

The result capped another commanding display from Xavi’s side, who have now won seven consecutive league matches. Seven weeks after trailing Real Madrid by five points following a 2-1 defeat in El Clasico, Barcelona now hold a seven-point advantage at the summit.

Real Madrid can trim the gap to four points if they secure victory away at Alaves on Sunday.