Robert Lewandowski, quite simply, missed until he scored. Barcelona's star striker seemed poised to continue his poor run, squandering countless chances against Osasuna. But then, out of nowhere, he found the net, bagging the first goal in a 2-0 win in the Spanish Supercopa semi-final to set up a clash with Real Madrid and a chance to defend their title.
Lewandowski had the Blaugrana's most apparent chance early on, but saw his close-range effort denied. Barca had further chances in the opening period. Ferran Torres launched one wide from distance. Lewandowski squandered another. Osasuna, for their part, probed and prodded the Barca backline, forcing Inaki Pena into a handful of saves.
But the striker finally came alive after the break. He opened the scoring, muscling off two defenders before firing an effort into the bottom corner. Substitute Joao Felix almost made it two after creating a clever angle, but saw his curler flicked around the post.
Barca controlled the remainder of proceedings, only letting Osasuna into the game by virtue of failing to find the net from critical areas. A late goal from the impressive Lamine Yamal put things beyond doubt.
They will surely have to be more clinical on Sunday, but Barca will relish the chance to pip Madrid to another trophy.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Al-Awwal Stadium...