Barcelona striker David Villa admits he was more concerned that his side pick up the three points against Osasuna than worrying about ending his own barren run in front of goal.
Villa had failed to find the back of the net for Barça in 11 successive matches heading into the clash, but the Spain striker got back on the score-sheet to put his side ahead in the 24th minute. Lionel Messi then added a late second to seal a 2-0 win with his 50th competitive goal of the season for the Catalan giants.
The victory helped Barça bounce back from the disappointment of Wednesday's Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Madrid and ensured they remain eight points clear of Jose Mourinho's men at the top of the standings with only five games remaining.
The most important thing is that the team score and win, to forget what happened on Wednesday.
David Villa, Barcelona forward
Villa said of his goal: "The most important thing is that the team score and win, to forget what happened on Wednesday. It's a very important victory and we're very happy. They are a very difficult team and more so because of our mental and physical tiredness from the other day. We've got three points, we keep the same gap and it's one game less."
It was not the best of performances by a much-changed Barça side as Primera Division strugglers Osasuna made it tough for their hosts to get into their stride.
However, the three points keeps Pep Guardiola's men firmly on course for a third successive league title and will help restore confidence ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Real at the Bernabeu.
Alves full of anticipation
Defender Dani Alves said: "Osasuna made it a very uncomfortable and difficult game for us. We couldn't get any continuity into our play, but we had the fortune in front of goal."
Looking ahead to their European meeting with Real - the third of four clashes between the two arch-rivals in 18 days - the Brazilian said: "We're pretty good, we are really looking forward to Wednesday's game.
"I think it's going to be a very nice game, very difficult but we need to enjoy it because these are unique matches. We aren't looking at what Madrid do, we are preparing our own work."
Defensive problems mount up
Guardiola could have a major defensive headache going into the semi-final, with Maxwell and Gabriel Milito both finishing last night's match with knocks.
They should find out today the extent of their injuries and it could be they will join left-backs Eric Abidal and Adriano on the sidelines. There also remains a doubt about the fitness of captain Carles Puyol, who sat out last night's win.
Midfielder Javier Mascherano, who has played in defence recently to help cover the absentees, said on the club's website: "The important thing is to help the team in whatever position you are. The coach decided to make this positional change, I've always said that I've come here to win. We need to do things in the best way possible."