De Jong Lewandowski Barcelona GFXGetty/GOAL

Barcelona player ratings vs Osasuna: Frenkie de Jong is floating on air! Midfielder shines before late Robert Lewandowski penalty seals stuttering win

Barcelona ensured they did not fall further behind in the early stages of La Liga's title race as a late penalty from Robert Lewandowski secured a 2-1 win at Osasuna for the Spanish champions on Sunday.

Barca made a fast start with Frenkie de Jong hitting the post and Lewandowski firing wide from close range inside the first minute, but they were made to wait until first-half stoppage-time to open the scoring through Jules Kounde, who headed home from a corner.

The hosts came out strong after the break, however, and they made their pressure count with around 15 minutes left as Chimy Avila danced along the edge of the box before firing in from 20 yards.

Barca were not to be denied, however, as Lewandowski was pulled back in the area and picked himself up to convert his spot-kick to keep Barca within two points of leaders Real Madrid.

GOAL rates Barca's players from El Sadar...

  • Jules Kounde Barcelona 2023-24Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

    Made two decent saves when the score was 0-0, and was a calming presence behind his defence. Had no chance with Avila's strike.

    Sergi Roberto (4/10):

    He may be club captain, but doesn't look up to the level required in this Barca side. Replaced by Cancelo before the hour mark.

    Jules Kounde (8/10):

    Superb header in first-half stoppage-time opened the scoring. Carried the ball out of central defence well when given the chance.

    Andreas Christensen (6/10):

    Marshalled the backline well as the senior defender.

    Alejandro Balde (6/10):

    Had some encouraging moments going forward but was increasingly targeted from a defensive point of view in the second half, and eventually gave way as Avila cut inside to net the equaliser.

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  • Ilkay Gundogan Barcelona 2023-24Getty Images

    Midfield

    Frenkie de Jong (8/10):

    Hit the post inside the first minute and looked the most likely to create further opportunities with his ball-carrying and turn of pace, before his superb pass found Lewandowski to win the late penalty.

    Oriol Romeu (7/10):

    Generally good as he continues to grow in his new surroundings. Swept up plenty and passing was impressive, but could have done more to stop Avila from scoring.

    Ilkay Gundogan (4/10):

    Barely anything he tried came off and he could be seen remonstrating with his team-mates. Missed a big chance early on, but can claim the assist for Kounde's goal as it came from his corner.

  • Robert Lewandowski Barcelona 2023-24Getty Images

    Attack

    Lamine Yamal (6/10):

    Replaced early in the second half but by no means let anyone down. Not as effective as his previous outing, but continues to bely his lack of experience.

    Gavi (6/10):

    His usual combative and tenacious self, he regularly drifted inside from the left to form a box midfield as Barca attacked.

    Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

    Missed an open goal from close range in the first minute and very little came off for him thereafter until he won and scored the winning penalty.

  • Xavi Barcelona 2023-24Getty Images

    Subs & Manager

    Joao Cancelo (6/10):

    Showed glimpses of what he will offer his new team, especially in the final third with a couple of quality crosses.

    Ferran Torres (6/10):

    Could not make it three goals in as many games off the bench.

    Joao Felix (6/10):

    Struggled to have much of an impact as he looks to regain some match sharpness.

    Raphinha (N/A):

    Returned from suspension in stoppage-time.

    Inigo Martinez (N/A):

    On for his debut late on.

    Xavi Hernandez (7/10):

    Back in the dugout following his suspension and got most of his calls right, even if the performance was by no means fully convincing.