Goal: Xavi 88'

Spanish international Xavi came off the bench to score a vital 88th minute winner as Barcelona sliced Real Madrid's lead at the top of the table to six points with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday.

Xavi had only been on the pitch for six minutes but showed great technique to rifle home the decisive goal and spark wild celebrations at Camp Nou.

Real's 2-0 defeat by Almeria on Saturday gave Barca a golden chance to close the gap but it looked like they were destined for a frustrating night until Xavi's intervention.

"This victory is great for our morale," said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.

"I am not looking at (Real) Madrid too much to be honest. They have the advantage and are the best at the moment but I am not focusing on them."

"The rhythm of this game was constantly interrupted and a lot of time was wasted which made it difficult but we created a lot of goalscoring chances and we had a really good attitude."

The rain-soaked pitch was far from ideal but Barca created several chances with Lionel Messi and the 17-year-old Bojan Krkic, called up into the Spain squad for the first time, both going close.

But Osasuna defended well and Rijkaard brought on Ronaldinho for Messi with 20 minutes left.

However, it was another substitute who had the final say with Xavi popping up with a crucial goal.

Barcelona: Valdés; Zambrotta, Thuram, Milito, Abidal; Iniesta, Márquez, Déco (Xavi 86'); Henry (Giovani63'), Bojan, Messi (Ronaldinho 68').

Osasuna: Ricardo; Azpilicueta, Cruchaga, Miguel Flaño (Astudillo 46'), Monreal; Punal (Pandiani 90'), Javi García; Juanfran, Plasil, Vela (Font 84'); Kike Sola.