Ante Budimir scored twice as Osasuna stunned Barcelona, who fell to their first La Liga defeat of the season.
In a thrilling La Liga encounter, Osasuna delivered a stunning 4-2 defeat to Barcelona on September 28, 2024, at the Estadio El Sadar in Pamplona. This match marked Barcelona’s first loss of the season, halting their perfect start and preventing them from tying the club record for the best season start.
Osasuna vs Barcelona: Match Overview
Osasuna’s Bryan Zaragoza was the standout performer, scoring one goal and assisting another. The match began with Zaragoza’s cross to Ante Budimir, who opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Zaragoza then showcased his dribbling skills, rounding Barcelona’s goalkeeper Iñaki Peña to make it 2-0 in the 28th minute.
Barcelona, under the guidance of head coach Hansi Flick, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite dominating possession with 64%, they found it challenging to break down Osasuna’s resilient defense. Barcelona’s youth player Pau Víctor managed to pull one back in the 53rd minute, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.
However, Osasuna’s Budimir earned and converted a penalty in the 72nd minute, extending their lead to 3-1. Abel Bretones added another goal in the 85th minute, making it 4-1. Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute, but it was too little, too late.
Key Player Performances
- Bryan Zaragoza: The on-loan forward from Bayern Munich was instrumental in Osasuna’s victory, contributing a goal and an assist.
- Ante Budimir: Scored twice, including a crucial penalty, to secure the win for Osasuna.
- Lamine Yamal: The young Barcelona talent continued to impress, scoring his second goal of the season.
Tactical Analysis
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side was expected to dominate the match, given their superior possession and attacking prowess. However, Osasuna’s tactical discipline and quick counter-attacks caught Barcelona off guard. Zaragoza’s pace and dribbling ability were pivotal in exploiting Barcelona’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Osasuna’s defensive setup was equally impressive. Despite having only 36% possession, they managed to limit Barcelona’s clear-cut chances. Goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made several crucial saves to maintain Osasuna’s lead.
Implications for La Liga
This defeat has significant implications for Barcelona’s La Liga campaign. They remain at the top of the table but now face increased pressure from rivals like Real Madrid. An eighth consecutive victory would have equaled a club record set in 2013, but this loss has halted their momentum.
According to the BBC, defeat means Barca, who had won their opening seven league matches, missed the chance to equal their best-ever start to a campaign. Real Madrid could move a point behind the leaders with victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday (20:00 BST).
For Osasuna, this victory is a massive boost. They moved into sixth place and maintained their unbeaten home record this season. The win against a top-tier team like Barcelona will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they aim for a strong finish in La Liga.
In conclusion, Osasuna’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona was a testament to their tactical acumen and resilience. Bryan Zaragoza and Ante Budimir were the heroes of the night, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal continued to show promise despite the defeat. Hansi Flick’s side will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their next La Liga fixture.
This match serves as a reminder that in football, anything can happen, and even the mightiest teams can falter. As the La Liga season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and unexpected twists.
What Lies Ahead for Osasuna and Barcelona?
Barca turn their attention to the Champions League where they will host Young Boys on Tuesday (20:00 BST), hoping to bounce back from their opening defeat against Monaco.
