FC Barcelona's perfect start to the LALIGA season came to an end after a 4-2 drubbing by Osasuna on Saturday evening.
LALIGA
Report: Osasuna 4-2 FC Barcelona
Date: 28 September 2024
Venue: Estadio El Sadar
The Blaugrana refreshed their line-up from a narrow win over Getafe, as Lamine Yamal and Raphinha were reserved in favour of Pau Victor and Ferran Torres, who both flanked Robert Lewandowski upfront.
Osasuna had a strong start as on 18 minutes, Ante Budimir gave them a surprise lead with a close-range header in the box from a cross by Bryan Zaragoza.
The hosts were still spirited, as ten minutes later Zaragoza doubled their lead with a simple finish into an empty net, after he rounded goalkeeper Inaki Pena from a through ball by Pablo Ibanez.
Los Rojillos were still in control with ten minutes remaining of the first stanza and Barcelona had to come up with something different as they went to the half-time break 2-0 down.
Blaugrana had a perfect start in the second stanza, as eight minutes from the interval, Victor reduced the deficit to 2-1 with a shot into an unguarded net after an error by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.
Looking to use the momentum, Hansi Flick on the hour-mark, eventually made a double attacking Yamal came on in place of Victor and Raphinha replaced Torres, to take the game to Osasuna.
However, Barca conceded a penalty with 20 minutes to go after a tackle on Ante Budimir in the box by Sergi Dominguez.
Budimir stepped up and made it 3-1 for Vicente Moreno's men with a low strike into the bottom corner.
Osasuna were out of sight in the last five minutes after Abel Bretones made it 4-1 with a stunning long range strike.
Barca still had fighting spirit, as Yamal got a second consolation goal in added time also with a great strike from range.
The Catalan giants remained at the top of the table, four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who visit Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening.
