Raphinha scored two late goals to give Barcelona 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday and increase it lead in the Spanish league.
The Brazil forward broke the deadlock with a shot from the top of the area in the 70th minute at Camp Nou. He then put the result beyond doubt by scoring from close range with six minutes remaining.
The win left the defending champions seven points clear of Real Madrid before its game at Alaves on Sunday. That is likely a must-win game for Madrid coach Xabi Alonso after the powerhouse has won just two of its last eight games across all competitions.
Raphinha was key to Barcelona winning La Liga and Copa del Rey last season, when Hansi Flick’s side also reached the Champions League semifinals.
Barcelona struggled to replaced his speed and incisiveness when Raphinha was sidelined with a leg injury for six weeks earlier this campaign. But he has returned as strong as ever. He also assisted in a 3-1 victory over Alaves in late November and scored in a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid earlier this month.
Griezmann nets again for Atletico
Antoine Griezmann scored the winner after coming off the bench to help fourth-placed Atletico beat Valencia 2-1 and not fall further off the lead.
Griezmann replaced Julián Álvarez with half an hour to go with Atletico leading after Koke scored from a rebound in the 17th.
Lucas Beltrán pulled the visitors level in the 63rd with a shot from outside the area as the Argentine striker skirted past a defender and lashed a long strike just inside the post.
Griezmann restored the lead in the 74th at the Metropolitano Stadium when he used an exquisite control, hooking down a long ball with the tip of his boot, before he fired in the winner.
Atletico was nine points behind Barcelona.
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