Barcelona: Barcelona went through the motions of their second leg match to secure a 2-1 victory over Osasuna at the Reyno de Navarra, progressing 6-1 on aggregate and securing a quarter-final tie with reigning champions Real Madrid.
The hosts took a first half lead lead against a disinterested Blaugrana through Dejan Lekic but Pep Guardiola's men responded with a vastly improved second half display. Alexis Sanchez levelled the score moments after the restart before Sergi Roberto secured the win with a 72nd minute strike.
Barca began the game at a slow, workmanlike tempo as they sought out a no-fuss 90 minutes. Osasuna gradually eked their way into the game after Pedro's sixth minute shot was tipped over by Asier Riesgo.
Eric Abidal replaced the injured Andreu Fontas in the visiting defence and almost gifted the opposition a goal in the 17th minute. Alvaro Cejudo dispossessed the Frenchman and his cross was met by Lekic. The striker's effort got the beating of Jose Pinto but was cleared off the line by the covering Gerard Pique, while Patxi Punal then failed to capitalise on the rebound.
Barcelona lacked urgency and rarely threatened the opposition. With eight minutes of the first half left, Lekic caught Javier Calleja's pinpoint cross on the volley with sublime technique, but his effort shaved the outside of the post.
Moments after Riesgo had produced a fantastic reactionary save to deny Pique, Osasuna came up with the perfect response.
Raoul Loe outmuscled Sergi Roberto 25 yards from goal and Lekic took full advantage of picking up the loose ball, lashing a left-footed strike from the edge of the box past Pinto.
Calleja and Cejudo both missed chances to enhance Osasuna’s lead before the break and they were punished with just four minutes of the second half played.
Adriano dropped a shoulder, beating Marc Bertran and creating space for a low, drilled cross. It zipped off the surface, beating the sprawling Riesgo on its way to Sanchez at the back post who nodded in to level the scores.
After that goal the life and urgency was sucked out of the game. Sergi Roberto’s poor first touch spurned a potential one-on-one opportunity and Lolo failed to test Pinto with a free kick in the 64th minute.
Sergi Roberto did not make the same mistake at the second time of asking in the 72nd minute. Lionel Messi spotted the 19-year-old’s darting run in the area and poked an inch-perfect pass through to the youngster. His first touch narrowed the angle but he sent the ball across goal, beating Riesgo and finding the far corner.
Osasuna will now turn their attention to building on their impressive start to their La Liga campaign at home to Racing Santander this weekend. Barcelona’s victory sets up a tantalising quarter-final tie with arch rivals and reigning champions, Real Madrid. The first leg will take place on January 17 at the Santiago Bernebeu.
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