FC Barcelona have a decisive match to play tonight against Osasuna in the Spanish Super Cup. This semi-final in Saudi Arabia will be contested fiercely by both sides as it provides a good opportunity to win some silverware and a good chunk of prize money in the middle of the season.
Xavi will especially be motivated to give his best in this match in order to turn around the poor form of his team, and also to spur his team to defend the first title that he won with Barcelona last season.
To get a positive result from this match, the Barcelona head coach will have to ensure good performances from some of his key players, and one of these players who can be especially decisive in such a match is the striker, Robert Lewandowski.
The Pole has not been having the best of seasons this term, but as SPORT has noted, he will be extra-motivated for tonight’s match because of his history with Osasuna.
In his first-ever encounter against Osasuna, Lewandowski had to leave the pitch early as the referee Gil Manzano showed him two yellow cards, leading to his expulsion. However, his gestures to the referee after the red card resulted in him being banned for three games, which is the longest sanction he ever served in his career.
Then he once faced Osasuna at Camp Nou last season but was unable to score in that match. However, he was the difference maker when Barcelona visited El Sadar earlier this season, as he won and scored a penalty in the 85th minute of the match to give the Catalans the full three points in matchday 4 of La Liga.
Now, Lewandowski will face Osasuna once again, but this time in Saudi Arabia. Despite his poor form, his presence in the starting eleven is almost guaranteed. However, he can no longer take things for granted as Xavi now also has Vitor Roque as an option if Lewandowski does not turn around his form soon.
