Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona: Messi silences away crowd as Barcelona record a comeback win

PAMPLONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 26: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona shoots towards goal during the La Liga match between CA Osasuna and FC Barcelona at Estadio Reyno de Navarra on August 26, 2012 in Pamplona, Spain. FC Barcelona won 1-2.

Tito Vilanova fielded a surprise line-up against Osasuna as he left Xavi, Pedro and David Villa on the bench, which was slightly shocking, considering the fact that whenever Barcelona have played away to Osasuna, they have never won after conceding a goal.

A shaky Barcelona side received an early shock as an on-loan Joseba Llorente scored a 17th minute early goal for Osasuna. Lamah put in a beautiful cross from the left hand side of the box to the far post where Llorente managed to squeeze in the ball into the net. Osasuna managed to continuously harass a sluggish and lacklustre Barcelona side to hold out for a win but failed to convert any of their chances. After roughly half an hour into the match, Barcelona began with their slick passing as Iniesta threaded a piercing through ball to Messi who’s shot was blocked off by Fernandez. However, the Blaugrana went into half-time with a 1-0 deficit.

Barcelona continued after half-time without any changes and with Xavi, Villa and Pedro still on the bench. The Barcelona back-line made a few blunders which would have proven them costly if they were facing a side with better finishing. A lack of understanding between Puyol and Pique on the hour mark gave away the ball to Osasuna’s Sisi who struck a menacing ball towards goal which was saved with an equally awesome save from Valdes. In the 70th minute, Busquets made a blunder similar to Valdes in the Clasico last week but was lucky enough to escape spot free as Osasuna striker Nino failed to finish: he stole the ball from Busquets, who tried to find space with foolish trickery, but failed to convert the opportunity as he hit the woodwork of Valdes’ goal.

With the last 20 minutes on the clock left and still down by one goal, Tito Vilanova brought on Pedro in place of Fàbregas, Xavi for Iniesta and David Villa for Tello in a span of 10 minutes. With the above substitutions, it was as if Barcelona were given an adrenaline shot which renewed their passing play, efficiency and effectiveness. This was witnessed as Messi scored an equaliser in the 76th minute after a string of scrambled passes in Osasuna’s penalty area, which eventually found its path to Messi and then into the net. Sanchez received the ball towards the right hand side of goal and crossed the ball to Messi who stretched out his leg to finish smoothly. Although it was considered a controversial goal as Alexis may have been slightly offside, a highly inactive Barcelona sprung to life.

PAMPLONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 26: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (2nd,R) celebrates after scoring for his team

After the equaliser, Barcelona’s morale was boosted and the side started playing in a manner which makes them so unique – smooth and efficient. Jordi Alba put in a piercing pass from the left edge of the box through to Messi who struck the ball on the first touch and scored the winning goal in the 80th minute. This moment truly turned the match around and brought the whistling and boo-ing Osasuna fans to complete silence.

PAMPLONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 26: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates with his teammate Jordi Alba after scoring their second goal La Liga match between CA Osasuna and FC Barcelona at Estadio Reyno de Navarra on August 26, 2012 in Pamplona, Spain. FC Barcelona won 1-2.

The last 10 minutes were just the usual slick display from Barcelona but without any conversions and ended with a 2-1 win for FC Barcelona as they now look forward to their mid-week match against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey return leg. The win makes it two wins in as many matches for Barcelona in La Liga as they reside at the top of the table with six points.

Next stop – Madrid.