"However, with Barca having won seven of the last eight meetings between the sides, losing just once in the away fixture last season, it was likely to be a tall order for the visitors. Particularly as the Blaugranes could temporarily go seven points clear of Real Madrid with a victory, and would surely have the bit between their teeth as a result."
"As might be expected when a visiting team puts up to six men in defence, and another four in a line sat just in front, it was then always going to be difficult for Barca to break them down. Even though the Blaugranes spread the ball around with relative ease, utilising both wings throughout, when it came to pulling the trigger in the middle, there was simply no room to get a decent enough connection."
Barcelona aimed for an eighth consecutive home victory against a resurgent Osasuna at Camp Nou. Osasuna had won only two of their first 11 matches but had improved with two recent wins and sought a third. Barcelona had dominated recent head-to-heads, winning seven of the last eight meetings, and a victory could have taken them seven points clear of Real Madrid. Osasuna deployed up to six defenders and four players just ahead, forming an ultra-compact block that made central penetration difficult. Barcelona spread play wide but lacked space for effective central shots. Gerard Martin has adapted well to a more central defensive role, improving positional sense, ball progression, and passing simplicity.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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