Osasuna have slammed match officials for allowing a controversial goal in their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Barcelona.
The Catalan giants were finally able to win a game by more than a one-goal margin for the first time since September.
They will face Real Madrid in the final on Sunday after goals from Robert Lewandowski and Yamine Lamal secured the win.
But, the major talking point from the game came in the 58th minute when an apparent foul by Andreas Christensen in the build-up to Lewandowski’s goal was not spotted by VAR.
Osasuna defender David Garcia made his feelings very clear when he spoke to the media post-match.
Robert Lewandowski scored the opening goal of the game, but Osasuna wanted a foul in the build-up
Players of Osasuna object the refereeing during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final
He said, as quoted by Marca: ‘You’ve all seen it. The number of fouls that are whistled like that, the number that in the first half have all been whistled in favour of Barcelona.
‘It was very obvious, very clear to me. Three minutes later, the same play was blown and the whistle was blown for the same side. What do you say?
‘It was very obvious to me, but coincidentally or not, it’s always the same teams that benefit.’
Osasuna were restricted to quick counters but they almost scored from one five minutes before the break.
Jesus Areso broke down the right and crossed for Ante Budimir who gave Ronald Araujo the slip in the penalty area and would have scored had Inaki Pena not blocked.
Barcelona’s keeper then had to save from Iker Munoz’ long-range free-kick.
Barcelona lost the injured Raphinha just before the break with 16-year-old Yamal coming on as Joao Felix stayed on the bench, now clearly out of favour with coach Xavi.
Barcelona set up at Super Cup El Clasico final against Real Madrid on Sunday by beating Osasuna 2-0
16-year-old Lamine Yamal (left) came off the bench to score Barcelona’s second goal late on
When the goal came it was Lewandowski who scored from Ilkay Gundogan’s pass. Christensen robbed Jose Arnaiz and while he stayed down holding the base of his spine complaining of a foul Gundogan swept forward and slipped the ball through to Lewandowski who beat Sergio Herrera with a low finish.
There was a VAR check but for all that Arnaiz milked what had seemed minimum contact the goal was given.
Barcelona are through though and although Madrid will not be quaking at the prospect of facing them Xavi will know if they can cause an upset it could transform the club’s season.
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