January 12, (THEWILL) – Barcelona claimed their place in the 2024 Supercopa de Espana final with a 2-0 victory over Osasuna on Thursday evening. However, it was far from a vintage performance from Xavi Hernandez’s side as they struggled to break down their stubborn opponents at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.
Despite dominating possession, Barcelona laboured in front of goal for much of the contest. It took until just before the hour mark for them to make the breakthrough, Robert Lewandowski clinically finishing after a defence-splitting pass from Ilkay Gundogan. Osasuna had posed an occasional threat themselves, with Ante Budimir and Aimar Oroz forcing good saves from Inaki Pena in the Barca goal.
As the game wore on, Barcelona failed to kill off Osasuna and secure safe passage to the final. Lewandowski went close to doubling their advantage when he was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Jesus Areso. It was not until injury time that the result was put beyond doubt, substitute Lamine Yamal coolly slotting home after clever play from Joao Felix.
While Barcelona did just enough to progress, manager Xavi Hernandez will be demanding much more from his talented squad ahead of Sunday’s final showdown with rivals, Real Madrid. Osasuna defended stoutly and asked questions sporadically, but Barca lacked energy and cutting edge for long periods. They will need to improve markedly to retain the trophy they won last year.
The Supercopa de Espana final now beckons for Barcelona, but they must heed the lessons from this patchy performance. Against the might of Real Madrid, a similar display would likely result in defeat and the loss of their crown.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
