Barcelona, under new manager Ronald Koeman, was not getting the results they were hoping for despite some good performances on the pitch. They were languishing in the half of the table.
Tonight against Osasuna they were on top from the very start. It was a dominating display from the Blaugranas. Braithwaite, Griezmann, Coutinho and Messi all got on the scoresheet. Messi celebrated by taking off his shirt and revealing a Newell’s shirt with number 10 written on it as a tribute to Maradona.
Barcelona started the game against Osasuna with just one fit first-team centre back, Clement Lenglet. The Frenchman paired with Oscar Mingueza in the heart of the defence, while Frenkie de Jong was deployed as part of the double pivot alongside Pedri.
But Clement Lenglet got injured after winning a header. His right foot stretched away from his body following which his ankle twisted as he landed after heading the ball.
The 25-year-old was forced to be taken off and was replaced by Carles Aleña as De Jong moved into the backline to partner Mingueza.
Barcelona will have real defensive issues right now as Pique, Umtiti and Lenglet all are out injured. There have been many injuries in all the leagues and this season’s football schedule has been pointed out as the sole reason for the numerous injuries.
Griezmann, who got on the scoresheet on the 43rd minute, celebrated in a different manner this time. He said in post-interview: “This morning I was having breakfast with my daughter. I asked her how she would like me to celebrate if I scored a goal. She told me to do this and that’s how it was.”
“It was important to win because those at the top win. La Liga is very long and it is a difficult road, but with what we have done today we have shown that we have things to fight.”
“I’m happy with the team’s display, and the goal that I scored today. We want to win the title, and we know very well that it is not easy.”
