Javier Mascherano scored his first Barcelona goal as his team followed up their Clasico win with a 7-1 thumping of Osasuna, who are heading to the second division with a whimper. In addition to Mascherano's goal, which came from the penalty spot, there were also braces for Lionel Messi, Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer. Osasuna's reply came through a free kick from Roberto Torres.

Performances are out the window now. What's important is that Barcelona win all of their remaining games. This was the first of five they will likely have to win if they want to retain their league title -- and even then they will need Real Madrid to slip up. Luckily, there were plenty of good performances here. Gomes, Alcacer and Denis Suarez all played well, which should give them a timely confidence boost. But the highlight was undoubtedly Mascherano's goal.

Negatives

To nitpick, Barcelona should never have conceded. Osasuna offered very little, but some lackadaisical, casual play at the start of the second half cost manager Luis Enrique's side a goal. They have conceded in each of their past four league matches.

Manager rating out of 10

8 -- Enrique has taken a lot stick for his constant rotating and continued use of an underperforming Gomes, but the manager stuck to his guns and got his reward here. Besides getting performances from some of his squad players, there was also a welcome rest for Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and several other regulars.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 6 -- After his busiest game in a Barcelona shirt -- he made 12 saves against Real Madrid -- came, perhaps, his quietest. Osasuna, despite fighting relegation, were happy to sit back and shut up shop, even once they were behind. It made for a peaceful evening for the goalkeeper, who had to stop just one shot and could do very little about Torres' stunning free kick.

DF Javier Mascherano, 8 -- This was his night. The excitement at Camp Nou was palpable as he trotted forward in the second period, summoned to take a penalty won by Denis. And when he hammered the spot kick home, the biggest roar of the night followed. "Mascherano" then rang around the stadium. This was his first goal in his Barca career and just his fourth at club level.

DF Gerard Pique, 7 -- Did not have to do much defending, which allowed him to enjoy himself even more. Drove forward, picked out passes and was a menace at set plays. Had one effort cleared off the line and then hit the post, with Gomes scoring from the rebound.

DF Lucas Digne, 6 -- A lot has been said about Jordi Alba losing favour since Barca started playing a back three, but Digne has also suffered. This was his first start since Feb. 19 -- he'd played just 26 minutes since then. On a busy night for the Barca attack, there was little for him to do.

MF Sergio Busquets, 6 -- Put in a decent performance, but he will have to shoulder the blame for the Osasuna goal. Started the second half far too casually, gave the ball away and then gave the free kick away from which Torres scored.

MF Ivan Rakitic, 7 -- Followed up his goal and assist against Real Madrid with a fine cross for Gomes' first-half goal. Was also denied a penalty when he was clearly brought down by John Steven in the area.

MF Andre Gomes, 8 -- His confidence has clearly been hit after being jeered by his own supporters. That was obvious here in the early stages. However, he brilliantly finished a low Rakitic cross to make it 2-0 and improved after that, with Barcelona fans singing his name. Added a second with a well-taken finish inside the area in the second half and fired several dangerous crosses into the box.

MF Lionel Messi, 9 -- A huge banner was unveiled at Camp Nou in the moments before kickoff, thanking him for his 500 goals for the club. Within 12 minutes he had taken his tally to 501, courtesy of a couple of brilliantly cheeky touches and a chipped finish. With no Neymar and Suarez on the bench, he was the player Barca looked to and he did not disappoint -- adding number 502 with another brilliant finish.

FW Denis Suarez, 7 -- Has not had many minutes recently and has not had the season many expected him to have, but he did well here, starting just ahead of Busquets, alongside Rakitic. Looked full of confidence in the second half and won the penalty that led to Mascherano's goal.

FW Arda Turan, 6 -- Got his first appearance since the beginning of March after returning from an injury. Played wide on the left and Enrique had clearly asked him to provide width. Was neat in possession and had the beating of his man, but did not provide many memorable moments. Should have done better with a free header from a fine Mascherano pass.

FW Paco Alcacer, 8 -- Got his third straight La Liga start after spending the majority of the season watching from the sidelines. With that continuity have come goals, and he finished both the chances that came his way well here. Now has six goals in his past nine league appearances -- four of them off the bench.

Substitutes

MF Carles Alena, 6 -- Was the only substitute used by Enrique, coming on for Messi with half an hour left. More valuable experience for the highly rated teenager.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by SAMUEL MARSDEN

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