© Reuters/VINCENT WESTLa Liga Santander - Osasuna v FC Barcelona
PAMPLONA, Spain (Reuters) - Lionel Messi provided two assists as Barcelona overcame a difficult trip to Osasuna on Saturday to win 2-0 and move to within two points of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Messi helped Barca take the lead on the half-hour mark when he carved open Osasuna's defence with a superb cross-field ball to Jordi Alba, who controlled before blasting into the roof of the net.
He then laid the ball off when 18-year-old midfielder Ilaix Moriba struck in the 83rd minute, producing a confident finish inside the post from outside the area to score his first goal for the club in only his third league appearance.
© Reuters/VINCENT WESTLa Liga Santander - Osasuna v FC Barcelona
Barca stay second but moved on to 56 points after 26 games, two points behind Atletico Madrid who have played 24 matches and host third-placed Real Madrid on Sunday. Osasuna are 13th on 28.
(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Christian Radnedge)