Raphinha scored twice in the second half, enabling Barcelona to defeat a resilient Osasuna and extend their lead over Real Madrid to seven points at the top of La Liga.
It appeared to be a frustrating night for the defending champions, who had 21 attempts compared to Osasuna’s three until the Brazilian striker made the first mark in the 70th minute.
Raphinha struck the bottom corner from the penalty area’s edge and then finished at the back post in the 86th minute after a cross deflected into his path.
Ferran Torres believed he had opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when he evaded the offside trap and headed a Marcus Rashford cross.
Nonetheless, the video assistant referee (VAR) disallowed the goal since Raphinha’s heel was offside during a corner kick play that led to it.
Torres nearly scored when he connected with Lamine Yamal’s perilous inswinging cross, but the ex-Manchester City striker sent his first-time attempt over the bar.
Despite being very defensive, Osasuna did create a threat on the counterattack. Moments into the second half, Victor Munoz surged past Alejandro Balde but shot wide with only home keeper Joan Garcia to beat.
Pedri ultimately recognized Barcelona’s control when he surged forward from midfield, found Raphinha, and scored past Sergio Herrera.
After overcoming the visitors’ defense, the 28-year-old secured the victory in the closing moments with an easy tap-in.
Seven weeks ago, Barcelona was five points behind Real Madrid following a 2-1 loss in El Clasico but is now seven points ahead after winning seven straight league matches.
Real can cut the deficit to four points if they triumph at Alaves on Sunday.
