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Barça book their place in the quarter finals

Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-1 and 6-1 on aggregate to secure progress to the next round of the Copa del Rey. A tie which will see them face Real Madrid in the second Clásico of the year.

In a foggy night at Osasuna, Guardioa sent out a second string side with only Alexis and Piqué retaining their place from Sunday's 1-1 draw at Espanyol. The reserve side kept up Barça's record of high possession stats in the early stages of the game and also got the first shot on target of the game. Pedro testing Riesgo's reactions as the keeper tipped the ball over the bar.

It was then Osasuna's turn to attack. The substitute Abidal, who had replaced the injuried Fontàs, was caught in posssesion before a goal-line save from Piqué prevented the hosts from going 1-0 up.

Barça regained control but with such stars as Xavi and Iniesta missing, they were unable to carve out any clear goal scoring opportunities. With half time only ten minutes away, Barça had a very weak penalty appeal as Cuenca dribbled into the box but was outmuscled by Lolo.

The next Barça attack came from a corner. Piqué rose well to head towards goal but after it was blocked, a phase of pinball football in the area saw Riesgo produce a fine reaction save.

The possession stats dropped to 50-50 after good spells of pressure from Osasuna. It was from one of these spells that the first goal of the night came. The Barcelona defence spent too long in their own half and allowed Lekic to strike the ball towards Pinto's goal. The goalie got a good hand to the ball but was unable to prevent it from flying into the net.

As halftime drew closer it was Osasuna who were on top and looked likely to finish the half two goals to the good. That wasn't to be though as the Barcelona defence stood firm and it remained 1-0 as the half time whistle blew.

Guardioa's half time team talk must have done the trick as the Catalans came out looking lively. They continued to press in Osasuna's half and when Adriano was given space on the left flank, he picked out a free Alexis with a sublime cross. Sánchez took the opportunity with open arms and headed home the equaliser.

The away fans were given another cheer on the 58th minute, as the three time Ballon d'Or winner took to the field. Messi began where he left off in the first leg. He began orchestrating Barça's attacks and when the 19 year old Sergi Roberto found space in the box with a well timed run, Messi picked him out and the young Spaniard edged Barça in front.

The Osasuna fans and players began to lose faith after their needed goal tally jumped to 6, which added just a little bit more to their already big task.

Barça saw out the game comfortably and progressed into the quarter finals with a 6-1 aggregate score. The next round will see them face bitter rivals in the second Clásico of the year with Madrid having the first leg home advantage.

Full Time Result: Osasuna 1-2 Barcelona

Goal scorers: Osasuna: Lekic (41) Barcelona: Alexis (49) Sergi Roberto (72)

Team Lineups:
Osasuna: Riesgo, Bertrán, Flaño, Lolo, Satrústegui (José Hermosa 73), Cejudo (Postigo 79) , Puñal, Raoul, Calleja, Roberto Torres (Raúl Garcia 67), Lekic Subs: Ricardo, Nekounam, Lamah, Manu Omwu
Formation: 4-2-3-1

Barcelona: Pinto, Montoya, Piqué, Fontás (Abidal 22), Adriano, Sergi Roberto, Mascherano, Thiago, Pedro (Busquets 70), Alexis (Messi 58), Cuenca Subs: Valdés Fábregas, Puyol, Xavi
Formation: 4-3-3

Stadium: Reyno de Navarra

Referee: Velasco Carballo

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