Barca leap-frog Atletico into third

Ferren Torres was at the double as Barcelona chalked up their fourth consecutive league win, brushing aside Osasuna to climb into third in La Liga.

Having been held to a goalless draw by Galatasaray in a Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, the Catalans took their frustration out on Osasuna and were three goals to the good within just 30 minutes.

Torres opened his account for the night just 14 minutes in, sending goalkeeper Sergio Herrera the wrong way from the penalty spot after Gavi was upended in the box.

Seven minutes later, he doubled their advantage, running through on goal after being picked out by Ousmane Dembele’s perfectly weighted pass and slotting it between the hapless stopper’s legs.

Dembele provided another assist as the game was ended as a contest in the 27th minute, the Frenchman’s whipped cross to the near post poked home by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who now has five goals in six La Liga games.

Normally so resilient in defence, Osasuna were conceding chances by the bucketload, but they tightened things up after the restart as they prevented Barca racking up the cricket score they had threatened early on, even if substitute Riqui Puig – with a fine solo effort – made it four in the 75th minute.

The victory sees Barcelona leapfrog Atletico Madrid and Real Betis into third as they closed to within five points of Sevilla in second who they hold a game in hand over. Osasuna, meanwhile, remain 11th. – Eurosport