Barcelona 1-0 Osasuna: Brilliant Vitor Roque inspires Catalan side to victory

Barcelona‘s Brazilian striker Vitor Roque scored and provoked a sending off within five minutes of coming on to help cheer up Xavi in a 1-0 win over Osasuna.

It was his first goal for the club heading in Joao Cancelo’s cross at the near post on 63 minutes. He had only been on the pitch for a minute.

Three minutes later Unai Garcia pulled him back as he was sprinting towards the area and it was enough to earn him his second yellow. It reduced Osasuna to ten men and ended the game as a contest.

The 18-year-old almost helped himself to an assist but when Lewandowski converted his pass he was correctly flagged offside.

Barcelona were better after the break and there were some chants for Xavi among the home fans. He took a gamble taking off midfielder Fermin Lopez, who had come on in the first half, but it paid off and the win helps Barcelona close the gap on leaders Girona to eight points.

It was his first goal for the club heading in Joao Cancelo’s cross at the near post on 63 minutes

The first half had been much ado about nothing with neither side threatening to take the lead.

When Ferran Torres went off with a hamstring strain early on Fermin had replaced him and the midfielder flashed one shot over. He was lively and so was 16-year-old Lamine Yamal but there was no breakthrough before the break.

Before the game Sporting Director Deco ruled out January signings and said the club had yet to begin their search for Xavi’s replacement.

Deco said: ‘It is not easy to find the sort of players that the level of this club demands with Financial Fair Play (restrictions) that we have. 

Barcelona were better after the break and there were some chants for Xavi among the home fans

‘We have a good youth system and we are gradually getting players fit again. We will fight (the rest of the season) with what we have in the squad. We have quality in the squad.’ 

On the next man to take the club’s hot seat he added: ‘It’s early days. We are still taking on board what has happened with the coach. We respect Xavi’s decision, we’re not thinking about a replacement now; we’re thinking about winning the game.’

They did win the game, and thanks to their latest signing. It will buy the club a few days’ calm. Roque looks like someone they can get excited about in the midst of so much doom and gloom.