Staff Reporter.
Vitor Roque scored his first goal for Barcelona in their first match since manager Xavi announced he was leaving at the end of the season.
Osasuna defender Unai Garcia was sent off four minutes later after fouling 18-year-old Brazilian Roque.
Barca moved up to third, eight points behind La Liga leaders Girona.
It was a much-needed win for boss Xavi, who revealed his exit plans after Saturday’s 5-3 home defeat by Villarreal. His side suffered an early blow when forward Ferran Torres tearfully went off injured after five minutes.
Jules Kounde headed over the bar twice from corners in the first half as the hosts dominated.
After Roque’s goal, 12th-placed Osasuna had chances to level despite having Unai Garcia dismissed for a second booking.
Raul Garcia’s low shot hit the woodwork with 15 minutes left, while Barca keeper Inaki Pena also made a superb flying save to deny Jon Moncayola.
“It’s an important goal. He needed it,” Xavi said after the match. “Goal scorers depend so much on goals. They need them. That will liberate him. He’s had chances before. He had not had much fortune but then today he has hit the winner and made the difference.
“He is going to give us a lot. His goal was a real positive for us today. I am really happy for him. He’s a good kid and he works hard, but he is very young, so we have to take things slowly with him.”