ca osasuna vs fc barcelona lineups

 **Osasuna 4-2 Barcelona: Barca's Perfect Start to the Season Ends in Defeat**

Updated 28/09/2024 at 22:21 GMT

Barcelona's flawless start to their La Liga campaign came to an abrupt halt as they suffered a humbling 4-2 loss against Osasuna at the Estadio El Sadar. Heading into their eighth league match with a perfect record of seven wins from seven, Barcelona were unable to extend that run, succumbing to a well-drilled Osasuna side under Vicente Moreno. Despite Lamine Yamal scoring a late consolation goal, it was too little, too late for the Catalan giants, who remain at the top of the table with 21 points, four ahead of Real Madrid, albeit having played one more game.

Next up for Barcelona is a UEFA Champions League clash against BSC Young Boys, but they will surely need to regroup after this disappointing display in La Liga.

### Osasuna's Tactical Brilliance

From the start, Osasuna took the game to Barcelona. Manager Vicente Moreno had emphasised the need for a "perfect game" to stand a chance against the league leaders, and his players delivered. Right from the early stages, Osasuna pressed aggressively, putting Barcelona on the back foot. Their high-intensity approach paid off as Ante Budimir headed in a cross from Bryan Zaragoza in the 18th minute, giving the home side a deserved lead. Zaragoza doubled the advantage ten minutes later, breaking through Barcelona's offside trap to round goalkeeper Inaki Pena and slot the ball into the empty net.

### Barcelona's Response Falters

Barcelona found themselves two goals down but managed to pull one back shortly after the interval. A rare mistake by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera allowed Pau Victor to score from distance. Herrera, who had just denied Robert Lewandowski moments earlier, gifted the ball to Victor, who took his chance well, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

However, Osasuna's relentless approach kept Barcelona from finding any rhythm. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had opted to start without key players Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, presumably to rotate the squad. Yet, without their attacking prowess, Barcelona looked blunt in the final third. Lewandowski, in particular, was left isolated and starved of quality service.

### Osasuna Seal the Win

Osasuna continued to push forward, and their determination paid off once again in the 72nd minute. Budimir, who was a constant thorn in Barcelona’s defence, won a penalty after being fouled by Barcelona's Sergi Dominguez. The forward calmly converted from the spot, restoring Osasuna’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.

In the 85th minute, substitute Abel Bretones sealed the victory with a stunning long-range effort, beating Pena in the bottom-right corner to make it 4-1. Although Lamine Yamal scored Barcelona’s second goal late on with a powerful shot from outside the box, the damage had already been done.

### Talking Point: Barca's Winning Streak Ends

Barcelona’s first league defeat of the season can be attributed to several factors, including a growing injury list and squad rotation. Hansi Flick's decision to leave Raphinha and Yamal out of the starting XI raised some eyebrows, but the German manager was pragmatic, acknowledging the need to manage player fatigue over a long season. However, the absence of the attacking duo was keenly felt, as Barcelona lacked the firepower and creativity to break down a determined Osasuna defence.

Lewandowski, despite his best efforts, was isolated for much of the match, working off scraps. In contrast, Osasuna executed their game plan perfectly, pressing high and forcing Barcelona into uncharacteristic errors. Their performance was a testament to their belief and tactical discipline, fully deserving the victory.

### Player of the Match: Ante Budimir (Osasuna)

Several Osasuna players stood out in this thrilling encounter, but Ante Budimir was the key figure. The forward not only scored twice but also caused constant problems for Barcelona’s defence with his intelligent movement and physicality. His penalty to make it 3-1 was the turning point that effectively ended Barcelona's hopes of a comeback. Special mentions should also go to goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, who made some crucial saves, and Bryan Zaragoza, who contributed with a goal and an assist.

### Match Highlights:

- **18' GOAL! Osasuna 1-0 Barcelona (Budimir 18')**  

  Zaragoza's perfect cross found Budimir, who headed home to give Osasuna the lead.

- **28' GOAL! Osasuna 2-0 Barcelona (Zaragoza 28')**  

  Osasuna doubled their advantage when Zaragoza beat the offside trap and rounded Pena to slot into an empty net.

- **53' GOAL! Osasuna 2-1 Barcelona (Victor 53')**  

  Pau Victor capitalised on a rare mistake by Herrera to give Barcelona a lifeline, squeezing the ball into the net from distance.

- **72' PENALTY FOR OSASUNA (Budimir 72')**  

  Budimir was fouled by Dominguez in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. 

- **72' GOAL! Osasuna 3-1 Barcelona (Budimir 72')**  

  Budimir stepped up and slotted the penalty into the bottom corner to restore Osasuna's two-goal lead.

- **85' GOAL! Osasuna 4-1 Barcelona (Bretones 85')**  

  Substitute Abel Bretones fired in a long-range shot to seal the win for Osasuna.

- **89' GOAL! Osasuna 4-2 Barcelona (Yamal 89')**  

  Lamine Yamal scored a powerful consolation goal from outside the box, his fifth of the season. https://youtu.be/q82KAc8EUSs?si=oQf59ii-KLj-CQy7

### Final Thoughts

Barcelona’s unbeaten run in La Liga is over, and they will need to regroup ahead of their next matches. The loss offers Real Madrid an opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table, while Osasuna can be proud of their excellent performance, which sees them rise to sixth place in the standings.

Despite the setback, Barcelona remain favourites for the title, but this result is a reminder that they cannot afford to let their guard down.