Barcelona were forced to fight hard against a resilient Osasuna side who were desperate for a draw. It was Spanish midfileder, Xavi, who finally found the net on the 88th minute having come off the bench.

Osasuna battled hard in the first half not allowing Barcelona many chances and at times creating some of their own. On the 27th minute the young prospect, Carlos Vela, used his speed to beat Puyol but could only tamely hit a shot into the arms of Victor Valdes.

Barcelona then carved open some chances but never really troubled Ricardo apart from Henry's neat header from a free kick that Ricardo parried away.

In the second half Barcelona were the brighter side but struggled to find an opening eventually bring on Ronaldinho in place of Messi desperatly searching for some much needed inspiration.

The inspiration finally came from a sub, but not Ronaldinho, it was Xavi who latched on to a delightful ball and smashed the ball into the roof of the net in the dying moments to put Barcelona only 6 points behind Real Madrid.