Whoever decided it was going to be a good idea to schedule in Barcelona’s game in hand on the Thursday after the international break was fortunately spared any comeback from the Catalans.

That’s because the hosts’ performance was so dominant that the result against Osasuna – a team that had inflicted Hansi Flick’s first defeat as Barca coach – was never in doubt.

If there was a question that needed to be answered it was going to be ‘how many goals would Barca score?’

In the end it was three, but if some of Barca’s hard-working stars had their shooting boots on, five or six wouldn’t have disgraced Hansi Flick’s side.

Although neither were on the score sheet on the night, the performances of Gavi and Eric Garcia were particularly special.

In Garcia’s case especially, the pressure was really on.

No Pau Cubarsi on the night would’ve surely stretched the central defensive partnership with Inigo Martinez to breaking point, particularly when you consider that his deputy, Ronald Araujo, was also not playing.

And yet, Garcia was calmness personified throughout. Defensively sound along with the rest of his back four colleagues, he broke forward whenever the opportunity arose, joining the likes of Gavi in midfield.

If ever there was a phrase that didn’t describe Barca’s whirling dervish, then ‘calm personified’ would be it. Gavi was everywhere, covering every blade of grass – as usual.

Although his name won’t show up in the goals for column against the team from Pamplona, those that watched the game in its entirety will have little doubt about his contribution.

Hansi Flick was certainly impressed by Gavi who ended up wearing the captain’s armband.

“Gavi had a great game today. I’m very proud of his performance today,” he told reporters. “He suffered a serious injury, and he’s always ready, even when he’s coming off the bench. He’s a very professional footballer. I’m delighted with him.”

What was also great to see was the commitment and will to win shown by every other player in a match that could’ve really tripped the Blaugranes up.

As it was, Osasuna offered little in an attacking sense and were feeding off (very little) scraps for the most part.

Putting five at the back also didn’t work out too well for the visitors, as Barca simply jostled and harried and moved them expertly around the pitch as they saw fit.

Frankly, the title is now theirs to lose. With Atleti effectively out of the race given that they’re seven points behind, only Real Madrid stand in Barcelona’s way of landing the first stage of an epic treble.