Young Brazilian forward Vitor Roque was the hero as he scored his first Barcelona goal in Wednesday night's 1-0 victory over Osasuna.
This was Barca's first game since manager Xavi revealed that he'll be leaving his post at the end of a so far underwhelming 2023/24 season.
Their performance in midweek did little to suggest that a major resurgence is afoot, but the victory did lift them back up to third in La Liga as they closed the gap on leaders Girona to eight points.
How the game unfolded
A sense of apathy prevailed in Montjuic in the wake of Xavi's announcement, with many wondering exactly how his decision to leave Barcelona at the end of the season would impact his players: liberation or further collapse?
The first half on Wednesday night did little to answer such questions, with Xavi's injury woes deepening very early on as Ferran Torres was withdrawn with a hamstring issue. Substitute Fermin Lopez was one of few who appeared capable of troubling a diligent Osasuna backline, as the hosts controlled proceedings without testing the highly-regarded Aitor Fernandez.
Barca's recent defensive woes ensured tension every time the visitors trudged forward, although they lacked the thrust to trouble a vulnerable backline. Sharpshooter Ante Budimir did have the best chance of the opening period, though, but he couldn't steer his header goal bound.
There was little by way of a dynamic change after the restart, with Xavi having few options to turn to on his bench. Roque got his chance just after the hour, and the Brazilian flicked home his first Barcelona goal within a moment of his entrance from a stylish Joao Cancelo trivela cross.
Roque's influence was felt again swiftly after as he drew the foul from Unai Garcia which resulted in the defender's second yellow card. Despite their man disadvantage, Osasuna weren't deterred and they came within a whisker of restoring parity when Raul Garcia's dragged effort kissed the post.
There was a sense of trepidation regarding Barca's lead despite the odds being stacked in their favour, but after defending a couple of dangerous set-pieces in stoppage time, the hosts clung on to a crucial victory.
Barcelona player ratings (4-3-3)
GK: Inaki Pena - 6/10 - Finally, a fairly serene outing for the stand-in.
RB: Jules Kounde - 6/10 - Proved a threat from set pieces but couldn't convert. Safe in possession, but was pretty steady defensively.
CB: Ronald Araujo - 7/10 - After struggling at the weekend, this was much more measured. There were a couple of overzealous sequences, but the defender was dominant.
CB: Pau Cubarsi - 7/10 - A cool customer on the left side of defence. The 17-year-old was proficient on both feet and aggressive in duels when he needed to be.
LB: Joao Cancelo - 7/10 - Functioned high down the left flank and had frustrated in the final third before he produced a moment of quality for Roque's opener.
CM: Frenkie de Jong - 6/10 - Uncharacteristic element of caution about De Jong's possession play on Wednesday night, exemplified by his refusal to shoot after receiving the ball in an excellent position on the edge of the box at the start of the second half.
CM: Pedri - 7/10 - We saw more elements of Pedri's game against Osasuna. The midfielder regained possession on multiple occasions and produced a couple of wonderful passes which penetrated the visitors' high defensive line.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan - 6/10 - Barely involved in the opening period, but grew into the contest after the restart. Should've scored before Roque's goal, but generally had a positive influence between the lines.
RW: Lamine Yamal - 7/10 - Isolated down the right but was able to produce several moments of quality in the first half. Enjoyed the space which opened up after Osasuna were reduced to ten.
ST: Robert Lewandowski - 5/10 - Combined well on occasions and drew a few soft fouls, but the striker was once again on the periphery throughout.
LW: Ferran Torres - N/A - Withdrawn in tears in the opening exchanges with a hamstring injury.
Substitutes
SUB: Fermin Lopez (8' for Ferran Torres) - 7/10 - Barca's brightest player of the first half, and was cowardly withdrawn by Xavi on the hour - presuming he wasn't carrying a knock.
SUB: Vitor Roque (62' for Fermin Lopez) - 8/10 - Game-changer.
SUB: Oriol Romeu (77' for Pedri) - 6/10
Subs not used: Ander Astralaga (GK), Diego Kochen (GK), Andreas Christensen, Marc Casado, Unai Hernandez, Hector Fort.
Manager
Xavi - 6/10 - Undoubtedly hindered by Ferran's early injury, with his side one-paced before Roque's entrance. Didn't like Fermin's withdrawal given the rather uninfluential showings of Lewandowski and Gundogan. Nevertheless, the hosts appeared more stable in comparison to previous outings.
