Barcelona suffer setback in title race
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Article summary
FC Barcelona's title aspirations were dealt a major blow as they suffered their second defeat of the season at the hands of CA Osasuna, who move up to seventh in the Liga standings.
Article top media content
Article body
FC Barcelona suffered a major setback in their hunt for the Liga title after enduring their second defeat of the season, going down 3-2 at CA Osasuna, who go seventh.
Dejan Lekić gave the hosts the lead after five minutes with a neat finish, before rounding off a flowing move to double his side's advantage. Josep Guardiola's team began the second half with renewed vigour and were rewarded six minutes in, when Alexis Sánchez finished clinically at the back post.
Moments later, Osasuna restored their two-goal advantage courtesy of Raúl García's precise finish. But the visitors rallied and struck back when Cesc Fàbregas picked out 20-year-old forward Tello, who fired past Andrés Fernández. Despite late pressure from the reigning champions, Osasuna held firm to secure all three points. Title rivals Real Madrid CF host Levante UD tomorrow, knowing a win will take them ten points clear at the Liga summit.
Elsewhere, Real Racing Club moved out of the relegation zone after a goalless draw with Club Atlético de Madrid at El Sardinero, while Nélson scored a last-minute winner as Real Betis Balompié recorded a 2-1 home victory against Athletic Club.