London, 28 March 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Barcelona cruised past Osasuna 3-0 to strengthen their position at the top of LaLiga.

Ferran Torres fired the home side into an early lead at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys before Dani Olmo converted a retaken penalty, but then went off injured ahead of the break.

Robert Lewandowski came off the bench to head in a late third, which moves Hansi Flick’s men three points clear of Real Madrid ahead of this weekend’s next round of games.

Thursday night’s match had been rearranged after the original fixture’s postponement earlier this month following the death of Barca club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was, though, less than impressed with the scheduling on the back of the international break.

Brazil forward Raphinha and Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo were both left out of the squad, while Lewandowski started on the bench.

Barcelona took an early lead in the 11th minute.

Netherlands midfielder Frenkie De Jong picked out Alejandro Balde down the left and his low cross through the six-yard box was converted by Torres.

Spain forward Torres was close to adding a swift second after taking Lamine Yamal’s pass, but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was out quick to make a smart save.

Herrera then clattered into Olmo as he darted onto a lofted ball over the top into the box to concede a penalty in the 18th minute.

Olmo struck his spot-kick well enough towards the bottom left corner, but Herrera guessed correctly to pull off a fine save at full stretch.

Osasuna’s celebrations, though, were short-lived, after the penalty was ordered to be retaken because of encroachment by midfielder Jon Moncayola.

Olmo went for the same side, this time sending Herrera the wrong way to double Barcelona’s lead.

Just a few minutes later, however, Olmo, who had only just returned from a calf problem, was forced off through injury, and replaced by Fermin Lopez.

Torres almost got a second just before half-time when his 22-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar.

Osasuna – who have won just once away in LaLiga so far this season – created their best opening early in the second half when defender Jorge Herrando planted a header wide from a free-kick.

After Alejandro Catena then headed a cross into the side-netting, Barcelona put the game to bed with a third goal in the 77th minute.

Lewandowski – who had replaced Torres just after the hour – headed in a cross from Lopez, who had broken on the counter attack down the right.

Barcelona substitute Pau Victor had a great chance to score a late fourth, but after being put through by Yamal, his angled shot was saved by Herrera.

MIA file photo