Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid

Madrid, May 3: FC Barcelona moved to the verge of securing the La Liga title after a hard-fought 2–1 victory away against CA Osasuna, extending their lead at the top of the table to 14 points.

The win puts Barcelona in a commanding position over Real Madrid, who must now win their upcoming fixture against RCD Espanyol to delay the title celebrations. If Madrid fail to secure all three points, Barcelona will be crowned champions without needing to wait for the season’s final stretch.

The match remained tightly contested until the closing stages, with Osasuna holding firm for most of the game. Barcelona finally broke through in the 81st minute when Robert Lewandowski converted a cross from Marcus Rashford to give the visitors the lead. Five minutes later, Ferran Torres finished off a move involving Fermin Lopez to double the advantage.

Osasuna managed a late response through a 88th-minute header from Raul García, but Barcelona held on under pressure to secure a crucial victory that puts them within touching distance of the title. Their next opportunity to clinch the championship could come in the highly anticipated El Clásico, depending on Real Madrid’s result.

Elsewhere in La Liga action, Villarreal CF secured a major 5–1 victory over Levante, strengthening their push for a Champions League qualification spot. Georges Mikautadze starred with a brace, while Nicolas Pépé and others added to the scoreline in a dominant display.

Atletico Madrid, under coach Diego Simeone, fielded a rotated side ahead of their Champions League clash with Arsenal but still earned a 2–0 win over Valencia, who continue to struggle in the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club kept their European hopes alive with a thrilling 4–2 comeback win against Alavés, highlighted by a standout performance from Nico Williams, who scored twice in a key victory for Ernesto Valverde’s side.