Barcelona were not at their best, but they dug deep to secure an important three points away at Osasuna, which saw a number of new signings make their debuts for the club.
Inigo Martinez returned from injury to appear for the first time since joining earlier in the summer, whilst deadline-day arrivals Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix also came off the bench to help seal victory at El Sadar.
Felix arrived after a long saga this summer, during which young wingers Ansu Fati and Abde Ezzalzouli departed the club, and it was unclear where the attacker would fit into Xavi’s system.
Speaking after the game, Xavi revealed that he sees Felix playing on both the left-wing and as a central striker.
“I see him both at nine and on the left wing. I liked João Félix. He has helped,” he stated.
“Everyone who has entered has added to bring us this victory. Highlight his attitude, which is very important for the team.”
Additional creativity
Xavi’s side had been lining up with four central midfielders, and one of Gavi or Pedri on the left inverting to the centre, rather than having an out-and-out winger on that side.
It now seems that Felix could take that role to inject some more creativity into the side. Robert Lewandowski recently slammed the tactics used, claiming that the lack of dynamism in Xavi’s side was stifling his form in front of goal, and Felix’s arrival may help change this.
Barcelona were not at their fluid best, but they did secure a vital victory at a tough away ground, against a team who have often troubled them over the years. Xavi’s side are able to grind out tough wins, and the next step will now be to inject more goals into the side.