Barcelona welcomed relegation-threatened Osasuna to the Camp Nou on Sunday looking to recover from their league defeat to Real Sociedad last time out.
They made the perfect start after 13 minutes when Lionel Messi scored in his 11th straight league match. However, Raoul Cedric Loe levelled against the run of play after 23 minutes.
The away side were reduced to 10 men before the 30-minute mark, however, with Alejandro Arribas receiving his matching orders for a handball in the penalty area, with Messi scoring from the spot to put Barcelona ahead.
It got worse before the break when Pedro made it 3-1, before Messi grabbed his third and then fourth before the hour mark to wrap up a comprehensive win.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate La Liga live commentary of the weekend comes from Barcelona as the Catalan outfit welcome Osasuna. The home side were beaten by Real Sociedad in the league last time out – shock horror! – but they still sit comfortable at the top of the table and secured their progress into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey with victory over Malaga on Thursday.
Perhaps not too surprisingly, Barcelona also currently top the form table in La Liga with 15 points from their last six matches. They have also scored the most goals in the league this season with 66, some 12 ahead of Real Madrid. That said, they have just the fifth-best defensive record in the league, with their opponents this evening ahead of them in that category.
Osasuna are currently in the bottom three in the table, but with the closeness of the bottom six, will feel confident of securing survival. A return of just five points from their last six matches has aided to their troubles, but their statistics this season make incredible reading. They have the fourth-best defensive record in the league this season, conceding just 21 goals, one more than Real Madrid. However, not too surprisingly they are bottom of the goals scored column with just 16 strikes in 20 matches.
TEAMS:
BARCELONA: Valdes; Alves, Puyol, Mascherano, Adriano; Xavi, Busquets, Thiago; Villa, Messi, Pedro
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Flano, Lolo, Bertan, Oier; Arribas, De las Cuevas, Cejudo, Nano, Loe, Llorente
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. A quick note on the main team news. Carlos Puyol returns for Barcelona this evening, while David Villa and Adriano also start. Osasuna name Joseba Llorente as the lone striker, with the Spaniard gaining support from Loe and Nano. The home side get the action underway.
A reminder that the corresponding fixture last season ended in an 8-0 win for Barcelona. It was a record defeat for the away side. In addition, they have not scored in their last nine visits to the Camp Nou. The home side have made the stronger start, as expected, with a period of possession in midfield.
Decent pressure from Osasuna in the last couple of moments with Loe chasing down a pass towards Puyol, but the Spaniard is able to find Valdes with the utmost calm. Strange atmosphere inside the stadium in the early stages of the match with the home supporters expecting to be entertained. Not too much to report, however, inside the opening four minutes.
It does not appear that Osasuna will sit back this evening, with early suggestions that they have lined up with a three-man attack. Whether or not that pays off remains to be seen. Thiago comes close for Barcelona as he drives into the box, but his effort just does not have enough power to beat Andres Fernandez.
Again it's good work from Barcelona as Xavi finds Adriano down the right, but the Brazilian's cross is just too powerful for Villa and it moves out for a throw. You can almost hear a pin drop inside the Camp Nou at the moment. Barcelona are in control, but there has not really been any clear-cut chances thus far.
A reminder that Osasuna have the fourth-best defence in the league this season, while Andres Fernandez has kept the second-most clean sheets. That is a quite incredible statistic for a side that is in the bottom three in the table. It has been down the other end that they have struggled. No signs that that will change in the opening 10 minutes of this match.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Osasuna (Messi)
Messi has now scored in 11 league matches in a row. It's poor from Fernandez as the goalkeeper clears straight to Xavi, the Spaniard finds Messi in the box, who rounds the Spaniard before finding the back of the net. Normal service has been resumed.
Osasuna force their first corner of the match moments later, but Cejudo just cannot beat the first man, with the danger being cleared. The ball does remain in close proximity to the Barcelona penalty area, but a strong challenge from Puyol clears the danger. Adriano does pick up the first caution of the match moments later, however, for a challenge on Lolo.
Alejandro Arribas delivers the resulting free kick into the heart of the Barcelona penalty area, but Valdes is not too concerned as he comes to collect the danger. The goalkeeper attempts to release Messi on the counter, but the Argentine cannot collect under pressure from Oier. Barcelona in total control here.
It is almost like a training match for the home side as they continue to pass and probe in midfield. A reminder that the likes of Fabregas and Iniesta are not in the team this evening, with Thiago and David Villa coming in as replacements. Yes, replacements. Two players that would walk into most teams in world football let alone in Spain.
Osasuna have managed just 16 league goals this season. That is a quite incredible statistic. They have finished inside the top 10 in each of the last two seasons, but face a struggle to do so this time around. There is still time in the January window, surely they will move for an experienced striker.
Half-chance for the home side to add their second as Messi whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Fernandez comes out to punch clear. Xavi comes close with an effort moments later, but the Spaniard can only fire wide of the target. Meanwhile, it appears that Fernandez took a knock in the act of clearing.
Osasuna continue to flood the midfield, but Barcelona are finding the gaps as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. We have not seen much from Villa and Pedro thus far, but you suspect that will change as the half moves on. Adriano attacks down the left once more, but his cross just fails to pick out Thiago on the edge of the box.
In fairness to the away side they are keeping a solid defensive line at the moment with Barcelona being ruled offside on a number of occasions in the last few minutes. It has not been the constant pressure from the home side that we expected, but they are comfortable.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Osasuna (Loe)
Wow! Osasuna level entirely against the run of play as Loe collects possession on the edge of the box before thumping his low effort into the bottom corner. Wonderful strike from the Frenchman. That has certainly made things interesting in this half.
I do not supposed that it will have too much of an effect on the final result, but at least Osasuna have given their supporters something to cheer. However, it certainly seems to have unnerved Messi, with the Argentine handing possession away in the final third, before Pedro fires over moments later.
PENALTY AND A RED CARD: Osasuna are reduced to 10 men as Arribas is dismissed for a second handball inside the penalty area. It gets worse for the away side with a penalty being awarded to Barcelona. That is such a harsh decision. That could be it for their challenge tonight.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Osasuna (Messi)
Messi does indeed score his second of the evening from the spot as he rattles his effort into the bottom corner as if there was any doubt whatsoever. However, it also stemmed from a needless handball. It will be interesting to see if any changes are now made by Osasuna.
A reminder that Barcelona play Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday and therefore will be keen to tie up this match as soon as possible with a view to resting players in the second period. Messi comes close to scoring his third with an effort from close range, but it is deflected wide of the post.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the Osasuna penalty area with Thiago and Xavi combining on a number of occasions. Busquets is the latest to have a strike from outside the box, but his attempt is straight at the goalkeeper. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining here.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments with the home side comfortable in possession. That said, it is obvious that they are conserving energy with their normal high-tempo style just slightly laboured. You get the feeling that they could turn it on at any moment.
Rare half-chance for Osasuna to create an opportunity as Cejudo whips a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, but Valdes comes out to gather the danger with ease. The Spaniard attempts to find Villa on the run, but the striker's pass towards Messi finds the Argentine in an offside position.
POST! Messi comes close to completing the perfect hat-trick as he meets a cross from Alves, but his header thumps against the post. The Argentine scored a header against Malaga last week. That is possibly the only thing in football that he has not yet mastered.
Again Barcelona come close as Adriano advances down the left before driving a low cross into the box, but Loe comes out to clear the danger. The Frenchman does well in holding off the challenge of two midfielders before winning a free kick to momentarily take the pressure off his team.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Osasuna (Pedro)
Barcelona have their third of the match as Alves finds Pedro in the box, who slots into the bottom corner. However, replays have shown that the defender was in an offside position when he received the ball. That is poor from the official. However, Barcelona now have their third of the night.
Barcelona have now scored at least three goals in 21 of their 35 matches this season. That is a quite sensational record. It is almost four as Puyol meets a high cross in the box, but the Spaniard can only head wide of the target. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining.
Osasuna attempt to threaten in the latter stages of the half with a high ball into the box, but Puyol is across to clear the danger. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of stoppage time at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 3-1 Osasuna
So there we have it. A comfortable first half of football sees Barcelona lead 3-1 with a double from Lionel Messi and a strike from Pedro. Osasuna levelled through Loe, but they were reduced to 10 men before the 30-minute mark with Arribas receiving his marching orders.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the first half of football. Barcelona have dominated the possession with 72%, while they have had seven attempts to Osasuna's one. The fact that the away side scored with their only attempt on goal tells you everything that you need to know about the first period.
As it stands, Barcelona would extend their lead at the top of the table to 11 points. Atletico Madrid would remain second with 47 points, four ahead of Real Madrid, but the former plays Athletic Bilbao this evening, be sure to remain with us for that. Osasuna, meanwhile, would remain in 18th position, two points from safety.
Let's take a look at the benches this evening. Barcelona have a host of options in reserve with Iniesta, Fabregas and Sanchez all on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Osasuna have Sola, Punal and Nino in their 18-man squad. It remains to be seen what each manager decides to do at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. Two changes at the break for the away side with Cejudo and De las Cuevas being replaced by Punal and Shojaei. Just a final reminder that following on from this match we have action from Athletic Bilbao against Atletico Madrid. Right, the away side get the second half underway.
Decent start to the half from the away side with Loe forcing a free kick in a wide area. The resulting set piece is taken by Nano, but the Spaniard's delivery fails to beat the first man and Puyol is on hand to clear the danger. Punal fires a high ball into the box moments later, but Valdes is out to collect.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but Osasuna have enjoyed some respite with a couple of free kicks in and around the Barcelona penalty area. In truth, this score could be anything that Barcelona want it to be. It depends on their attitude for the final 40 or so minutes.
It is almost like a training match for the home side as they continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area. A half-chance does arrive for Barcelona as Adriano advances into the box before whipping a low cross towards Pedro, but Oier is on hand to clear the danger at the vital moment.
Not too much of an atmosphere inside the stadium truth be told with the home supporters just admiring their side's movement and close control. Osasuna gain possession back for one moment, but the home side quickly surround the opposing player, forcing him into submission.
Another half-chance arrives as Alves finds Thiago in the penalty area, but the Spaniard just cannot control at the vital moment. Messi has the ball in the back of the net moments later, but the offside flag is correctly raised. It remains 3-1, but I suspect that will change in the remaining 35 minutes or so.
Osasuna get away with one moments later as Messi appears to beat the offside trap, but the linesman raises his flag. Replays have shown that it was just about the correct decision. It would not be a surprise if the home side started thinking about some changes ahead of Wednesday's match with Real Madrid.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-1 Osasuna (Messi)
Messi scores his third of the evening as he collects a pass from Villa before rounding the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net. He just makes it look so easy. Almost as if he is back on the streets of Argentina, not performing at the highest level. Just incredible.
GOAL! Barcelona 5-1 Osasuna (Messi)
Wow! Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for Real Madrid earlier, but now Messi has scored four. It is wonderful football once more as Adriano finds Messi in the box, with the Argentine unable to miss from close range.
I was going to say that Barcelona had been quite quiet in this second period, but out of nowhere they score two goals. This is the third time this season that they have scored five goals in a game. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and it could get much worse for Osasuna.
Barcelona make their first change of the evening as Pedro is replaced by Sanchez. Not a bad change to make. They still have the likes of Fabregas and Iniesta on the bench. How on earth can any team match them this season? I think the answer is that they cannot.
Another half-chance for the home side as Villa strikes an effort from outside the box, but it is straight at the goalkeeper. The pressure continues with Thiago moments later, but Hernandez comes out of his goal to clear the danger. Simply all one-way traffic.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe in the Osasuna half with the away side only able to chase shadows. There has been such a difference between these teams. Just worlds apart. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the evening as Fabregas is replacing by Xavi. Incredible.
You talk about naming a weakened Barcelona team, but is there such a thing? They have the likes of Iniesta, Song and Alba still on the bench. In fairness they could have played with one defender in this match. Another half-chance arrives as Adriano advances down the right, but the Brazilian's cross is just too long for Villa.
Third and final change for the away side as Flano is replaced by Ruben Gonzalez. It is purely a containing mission for Osasuna as they attempt to keep the score at a minimum in the final 20 minutes. Barcelona still have one change to make. It would not be a surprise to Messi withdrawn with tougher tests ahead.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the last couple of moments with both teams guilty of giving away a couple of free kicks. Llorente spends a couple of moments on the deck, but is deemed fit to continue following a spell of treatment. Little under 20 minutes of football to play in this match.
Decent spell for the away side with Nano combining with Llorente in the final third, but the powerful striker cannot collect under pressure from Alves. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change with Alex Song replacing Busquets. What about that for their three subs? Fabregas, Sanchez, Song.
Half-chance for Sanchez to add to Barcelona's tally as he collects a pass in the penalty area before turning and striking an effort on goal, but the winger just fires wide of the post. His long search for a league goal this season continues. Possession football for the home side as we enter the final 15 minutes.
Villa has a chance of his own as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it just moves over the crossbar. The Spaniard will be disappointed if he does not get on the scoresheet this evening. It would not surprise me if there were a couple of goals left in this match. No prizes for guessing for which side.
Not too much to report in the final moments of this match with Osasuna enjoying a decent spell of possession in midfield. A reminder that they will remain in the relegation zone, but just two points from safety. There is still much to play for in the second part of their season.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Villa collects possession on the edge of the box before turning and striking towards goal, but once more he cannot find the target. Sanchez has a chance from close range moments later, but good defending from Lolo clears the danger at the vital moment.
Barcelona continue to pass and probe outside the penalty area with Adriano the latest player to try his luck in the penalty area, but Fernandez is out to gather once more, with Villa in close contact. In fairness, this could have been any score in the second period. Osasuna have been blown away this evening.
Little over three minutes of normal time remaining with Barcelona still in total control of proceedings. Osasuna will now focus their attention on next week's clash with Celta Vigo, which is the type of match that will really judge whether they can move away from the relegation zone.
A reminder to stay with us for this evening for the final live match of the weekend between Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid. Early team news from that one suggests that Radamel Falcao is still injured for Atletico. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of added time.
Possession football for the home side in the latter stages of this match. Another comfortable home win, another five goals. But they will be disappointed that they have not kept a clean sheet. That is the only blot on this performance. Little under 30 seconds remaining.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 5-1 Osasuna
So there we have it. Yet another wonderful performance as Messi scores four times in a 5-1 win. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for action from Bilbao. Until then!
