Watch: Raphinha scores freak header from outside the box to win it against CA Osasuna
Barcelona might have been eliminated out of the UEFA Champions League but their strong campaign in La Liga continues.
In their last encounter against Osasuna, they emerged victorious by the margin of 2-1. And it would have ended as a 1-1 draw if it wasn’t for the Brazilian winger Raphinha.
The young gun from Leeds United showed why he is worth every pretty penny Barcelona paid for him by scoring a magnificent header from outside the box.
Watch: freak headed goal by Raphinha seals victory for Barcelona
It was a crucial moment in the game and the margin for error was very low. Raphinha was quick to recognize the chance that presented itself in front of him when Lewandowski dropped deeper.
This move left the defensive line vulnerable and Raphinha made a run towards the box. Equal marks should be given to Frankie De Jong who picked up the run and made a perfect pass.
The delivery was not enough to ensure the goal though and Raphinha had to do a lot. The Brazilian headed the ball in the perfect manner to catch the goal keeper out.
Aitor Fernandez of Osasuna was away from his line and little could he do about the perfect header of Raphinha that ended right under the crossbar and into the net.
This goal by Raphinha is a serious contender for the goal of the season award in La Liga.
With his late goal in the 85th minute of the game Barcelona sealed an important victory.
Barcelona consolidate their lead in the table
Barcelona came into the game as the hot favorites. But an early goal by David Garcia dented their ambitions. However, they made a comeback in the 47th minute with a Pedri strike from inside the box. And later Raphinha won it for them.
They were able to pick up three crucial points from the match. This will send them five points clear at the top of the La Liga table.
Real Madrid is now trailing in the table. They are five points behind Barcelona with a game in hand. They lost their weekend encounter against Rayo and will play their mid-week game against Cadiz on Thursday.
Barcelona will lock horns in a local derby against Espanyol on Saturday.
