Barcelona One Step Away From La Liga Title; Real Madrid's Wait Looms Large

Last Updated:May 03, 2026, 12:54 IST

Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 with late goals to move 14 points clear, edging closer to the La Liga title, while Villarreal sealed Champions League qualification.

FC Barcelona took another big step towards the La Liga title, grinding out a 2-1 win over Osasuna on Saturday thanks to late goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

The result moves Barcelona 14 points clear of Real Madrid, putting them on the brink of a second straight league crown. They could even be crowned champions if Madrid drop points against Espanyol.

After a slow first half, Lewandowski finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute with a powerful header. Torres then added a second late on, before Raul Garcia pulled one back in stoppage time to make things nervy.

Barcelona held on for their 10th straight league win. And now, they wait.

“For me, the important thing was that today we did our job; it’s not in our hands what happens tomorrow," said coach Hansi Flick. “If we win the title (by Madrid slipping up), we will also celebrate, I think it doesn’t matter (how)."

Rashford Sparks Late Push

Without injured Lamine Yamal, Barcelona lacked their usual spark early on. Despite dominating possession, they struggled to break down a compact Osasuna side.

The hosts nearly struck first through Ante Budimir, who hit the post after a strong solo effort.

Barcelona improved after the break, especially following the introduction of Marcus Rashford. The on-loan winger added pace and creativity, eventually setting up Lewandowski’s opener with a pinpoint cross.

Villarreal Seal Champions League Spot

Elsewhere, Villarreal CF booked their place in next season’s Champions League with a dominant 5-1 win over Levante UD.

Georges Mikautadze scored twice, while Alberto Moleiro, Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pepe also found the net.

Atletico Rotate and Win

Atletico Madrid kept up the pressure near the top with a 2-0 win over Valencia CF.

Manager Diego Simeone rotated his entire starting XI ahead of a crucial Champions League clash, but still got the job done thanks to goals from youngsters Iker Luque and Miguel Cubo.

It also marked a milestone moment: Simeone’s 1000th game as a coach.

(with AFP inputs)

News sports football Barcelona One Step Away From La Liga Title; Real Madrid's Wait Looms Large

Read More