Osasuna shocked Barcelona by ending their perfect start to the Liga season with a 4-2 win at Estadio El Sadar. Ante Budimir scored a brace, with Bryan Zaragoza and Abel Bretones also finding the back of the net for the hosts. Pau Victor and Lamine Yamal scored for Barcelona, but it was not enough to overcome the determined Osasuna side. The loss was Barcelona’s first of the season and saw them drop their first points, leaving Real Madrid a chance to close the gap.
The match was a feisty affair, with Osasuna taking the game to Barcelona early on. Budimir opened the scoring with a header before Zaragoza doubled the lead with a well-taken goal. Barcelona fought back after the break when Pau Victor scored from distance, but Budimir’s second goal from the spot and Bretones’ late strike sealed the victory for Osasuna. Despite Yamal adding a late consolation goal for Barcelona, it was too little, too late for the Catalan club.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made a number of changes to the starting XI, leaving out key players like Raphinha and Yamal. Flick acknowledged the need for squad rotation given the injury list he was dealing with. Without their usual attacking firepower, Barcelona struggled to break down the resolute Osasuna defense. The hosts were deserving of their victory as they outplayed the Liga leaders and put them on the back foot throughout the match.
Ante Budimir was awarded the player of the match for his standout performance, scoring two crucial goals to lead Osasuna to victory. Goalkeeper Sergio Herrera also put in a heroic performance, making key saves to deny Barcelona. Zaragoza also played a key role, providing an assist and scoring a goal to help his team secure the win. Osasuna’s overall team effort and tactical discipline were evident in their performance against Barcelona.
Osasuna’s victory sees them rise to sixth in the league standings, while Barcelona will look to bounce back in their upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Young Boys. Despite the loss, Barcelona still sit at the top of the table, but their unbeaten run has come to an end. The defeat serves as a wake-up call for the Catalan club, highlighting the challenges they will face as the season progresses and the competition intensifies.
Overall, Osasuna’s impressive display against Barcelona showcased their ability to compete with the top teams in the league. The result was a testament to their hard work and determination, as they executed their game plan to perfection. Barcelona will need to regroup and address their shortcomings in order to maintain their position at the top of the table and continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.
