Osasuna Vs. Barcelona 2012: Messi Brace Steals Late 2-1 Win for Barca

For 75 minutes at the Estadio El Sadar, it was a dream day for Osasuna and their fans. An early goal from Joseba Llorente had the Rojillos ahead 1-0 and the defense was keeping Barcelona at arms length. As usually happens against the Blaugrana though, it can fall apart quickly as Lionel Messi scored twice in a ten minute span late to give Barca the 2-1 win,

Barcelona appteeared to be having a post El Clasico hangover in the first half which is certainly understandable. Having to defend looking in to the sun didn't help either, but that's hardly an excuse. Osasuna was completely unsympathetic on both fronts and wasted little time taking the lead. In the 17th minute, Roland Lamah's cross curled to the far post and was redirected in to the goal by a fully extended Joseba Llorente. Just a fantastic strike for Llorente and nothing that Victor Valdes could do to stop it. Barca were mostly unimpressive, largely due to Osasuna being outstanding throughout the half, until late in the half when they seemed to shake off some of the hangover and started to put serious pressure on the Rojillos.

Osasuna continued to stand tall against Barca in the second half despite the influx of more and more offensive fire power. In the 70th minute Sergio Busquets was dispossessed and apparently fouled, but the referee allowed the play to go on. Nino raced on goal and beat Valdes with his shot, but it hit off the post. Barca manager Tito Vilanoa was so incensed about the non-call, the referee sent him off.

That seemed to inspire Barca and five minute later Alexis Sanchez passed up a shot, drawing the defense and sending a quick pass across the box to a sliding Lionel Messi who pushed the ball past Andres Fernandez to get Barca the equalizer. Messi scored again in the 80th minute, putting Barca in the lead as he easily finished a cross from Pedro.