Barcelona stretched their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points with a commanding 2-0 win over Osasuna at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The goals came from Raphinha — a brace in the 58th and 71st minutes — turning what had been a tense, physical encounter into a statement of intent. With five straight wins in the league and their final home fixture of 2025 wrapped up, the Blaugrana showed resilience despite missing key defenders and their first-choice goalkeeper. The crowd of 42,058 roared as Raphinha celebrated his first multi-goal performance since August, proving he’s stepping up where others can’t.
Defensive Gaps, But Midfield Grit Held Firm
Without Ronald Araujo, Wojciech Szczesny, Dani Olmo, and Gavi, Barcelona’s starting XI looked like a squad assembled from the B team — and yet, they held firm. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia, 28, made three crucial saves, including a point-blank stop on Ante Budimir in the 34th minute. Behind him, the center-back pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martin — both under 23 — handled Osasuna’s physical up front with surprising composure. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective.
Midfielders Eric Garcia and Pedri were the unsung heroes. Their constant movement disrupted Osasuna’s rhythm, allowing Barcelona to transition quickly. Pedri, just 22, completed 94% of his passes — the highest in the match — while Eric Garcia tracked back like a man twice his age. The duo’s chemistry, forged over months of playing together in the absence of more experienced names, is becoming one of the season’s quiet success stories.
Raphinha Delivers When It Matters Most
For all the talk about Ferran Torres leading the line and Robert Lewandowski waiting on the bench, it was Raphinha who seized the moment. His first goal came after a slick one-two with Lamine Yamal — the 17-year-old sensation who’s now Barcelona’s most dangerous attacker — before curling a left-footed shot past Sergio Herrera. The second, 13 minutes later, was pure instinct: a loose ball in the box, a quick turn, and a low drive that nestled into the bottom corner. No celebration, no theatrics — just a nod to the bench and a jog back to center field.
He wasn’t the only one stepping up. Marcus Rashford, listed in some reports as starting up front, was never on the pitch. The confusion stemmed from a mislabeled lineup on FotMob — a rare but costly error that briefly sent social media into a frenzy. “Rashford at Barcelona?” read one viral tweet. The truth? He’s still at Manchester United. The error was corrected within hours, but it highlighted how thin the margins are for clubs managing injury crises.
Osasuna Fought, But Couldn’t Break Through
Osasuna, under pressure to climb out of mid-table, came out with intent. Their 5-4-1 shape frustrated Barcelona’s wide attackers, and Victor Munoz’s energy in midfield kept the game tight for 45 minutes. But without a clinical finisher — Budimir missed two clear chances — they paid the price. Substitutions came early: Iñigo Arguibide replaced at 69’, Abel Bretones pulled back after 64’. Manager Jagoba Arrasate’s tactical adjustments were sharp, but the final third lacked creativity. The visitors had 11 shots — five on target — but none had the precision needed to punish Barcelona’s shaky backline.
What This Means for Barcelona’s Title Push
With 38 points from 16 games — 12 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses — Barcelona now lead Real Madrid by eight points. That’s not just a cushion; it’s a statement. They’ve won five straight in La Liga, a run that includes victories over Sevilla, Atlético Madrid, and now Osasuna — all without their captain, their goalkeeper, or their midfield maestro. Hansi Flick’s squad depth is being tested like never before, and so far, it’s holding.
The bigger picture? Barcelona’s home record in 2025 is now perfect: 9 wins, 0 losses. They’ve scored 27 goals at Camp Nou and conceded just 5. That’s elite. With the winter transfer window looming, Flick will need reinforcements — especially in central defense. But for now, the team’s spirit is the story.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026
Barcelona’s next match is away at Villarreal on December 21 — a tricky fixture, but one they’ve won in each of the last three seasons. Then comes the January window. Will they bring in a new center-back? A backup goalkeeper? A creative midfielder to replace Gavi’s dynamism? The answers will shape whether this season ends in celebration… or collapse.
And then there’s Raphinha. The Brazilian, once seen as a luxury signing, is now the heartbeat of this team. He’s not just scoring — he’s carrying it. When the stars are out, he steps up. That’s the mark of a true leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Barcelona manage to win without Araujo and Szczesny?
Barcelona relied on youth and tactical discipline. Young defenders Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martin held their ground, while Joan Garcia made three critical saves. Midfielders Eric Garcia and Pedri controlled the tempo, limiting Osasuna’s transitions. Flick’s 4-2-3-1 formation prioritized compactness over flair, and it worked — despite the missing stars.
Why was Marcus Rashford listed in the lineup?
It was a data error from FotMob, which mistakenly listed Rashford as a starter. He remains under contract with Manchester United and never trained with Barcelona. The mistake was corrected within hours, but it sparked confusion online — a reminder of how easily misinformation spreads in digital football reporting.
What’s the significance of Raphinha’s brace?
Raphinha’s two goals were his first multi-goal game since August and his fifth goal in the last four matches. With Lewandowski on the bench and Ferran Torres struggling for form, Raphinha has become Barcelona’s most reliable finisher. He’s now tied for third in La Liga’s top scorers list with 11 goals — a crucial contribution from a player once considered a luxury.
How does this win affect Barcelona’s title chances?
With an eight-point lead over Real Madrid and a perfect home record, Barcelona are clear favorites. They’ve won 12 of 16 games and have only lost twice — both away. Their next three fixtures are winnable, and if they maintain this form, the league could be sealed before March. The real test comes in the Champions League, but domestically, they’re in control.
Is this the most impressive Barcelona run despite injuries?
Yes. Losing Araujo, Szczesny, Olmo, and Gavi — four starters across defense, midfield, and attack — would cripple most teams. Yet Barcelona won five straight, kept four clean sheets, and scored 11 goals. This run, built on youth, grit, and Raphinha’s brilliance, may be remembered as the most resilient in the club’s recent history.
What’s next for Osasuna after this loss?
Osasuna remain in 10th place with 20 points, just two points above the relegation zone. Their attack, led by Ante Budimir, is inconsistent — they’ve scored just 18 goals in 16 games. Manager Arrasate will need to find creativity in midfield and fix defensive lapses. Their next match against Girona on December 20 is a must-win if they want to avoid a December slump.