MY ACCOUNT
Chimy Avila’s late strike salvaged a 2-2 draw for Osasuna after teenagers Ez Abde and Nico Gonzalez scored their first Barcelona goals in an entertaining LaLiga clash.
Barca crashed out of the Champions League with a 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, but they looked set to respond with a battling victory at Estadio El Sadar.
Nico put Xavi’s side in front on Sunday, only for David Garcia to equalise a couple of minutes later.
Ez Abde appeared to have won it with a strike early in the second half, but Avila struck in the 86th minute to rescue the home side.
Nico opened his account for the Catalan giants in the 12th minute, when he controlled a sublime pass from fellow teenager Gavi in an instant after timing his run to perfection and finished clinically with his right foot.
Barcelona’s joy was short-lived, as captain Garcia rose unmarked to meet Jon Moncayol’s whipped free-kick from the right with a powerful header into the bottom-right corner from 12 yards out.
Ez Abde was the Blaugrana’s biggest threat on the left and he was involved in a slick move that might have ended in a second Barca goal if Luuk de Jong had been more precise with his pass.
Barca were back in front four minutes into the second half, Ez Abde firing home from close range to round off a counter-attack after Ousmane Dembele’s cross skimmed off Osasuna defender Unai García’s head and fell nicely for the 19-year-old.
Osasuna were furious that the goal was allowed to stand after Gavi’s clearance at the start of the break struck Sergio Busquets on the arm in the Barcelona box, but the skipper could not get out of the way.
Barca came under late pressure and were punished for failing to deal with a corner, with Avila drilling in from just outside the area with the aid of a deflection off Samuel Umtiti.
What does it mean? Short-term pain, but future looks bright for Barca
That is no wins in three games for depleted Barca in all competitions, but the performance of their gifted youngsters should give head coach Xavi great heart.
Jordi Alba and Memphis Depay were added to the injury list following the loss to Bayern and options are limited for Xavi early in his reign.
Barca remain eighth in the table, but the future looks bright with so many talented young players stepping up in what has been a tough season so far.
Ez Abde conjures up Moroccan magic
Moroccan Ez Abde caused Osasuna all sorts of problems with his trickery and pace on the left flank and was richly rewarded with his first goal for Barca.
He played with a swagger and clearly has a very bright future ahead of him.
De Jong rusty on return
Luuk de Jong was handed a first start under Xavi, but he failed to make an impact on returning to the starting line-up.
The striker’s work-rate could not be questioned but he did not look a threat, failing to register a solitary shot.
What’s next?
Barca take on Elche at Camp Nou next Saturday, while Osasuna face Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
