Barcelona’s perfect start to the 2024-25 La Liga season came to an abrupt halt as they fell to a 4-2 defeat against Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday night.
The home side, led by an outstanding performance from Bryan Zaragoza, stunned the league leaders with a decisive and energetic display.
The game burst into life in the 18th minute when Zaragoza delivered a pinpoint cross, met by Ante Budimir, who headed the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña to give Osasuna a surprising 1-0 lead.
Zaragoza, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, wasn’t content with just an assist. Ten minutes later, he broke through Barcelona’s defense, rounded Peña with composure, and calmly slotted the ball into the net, doubling the lead for the hosts.
Despite Barcelona dominating possession with 70%, their lack of cutting edge in the first half was evident. The absence of star players Lamine Yamal and Raphinha from the starting lineup contributed to the lackluster attacking display.
Osasuna, though outpossessed, were far more dangerous, registering seven attempts to Barcelona’s two.
Barcelona’s hopes were briefly revived early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera’s poor decision-making handed them a lifeline.
His wayward throw led to a quick turnover, and Pau Víctor’s weak shot somehow found its way past the goalkeeper, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
However, Osasuna swiftly reestablished their dominance. In the 72nd minute, Budimir stepped up to convert a penalty after being brought down in the box by Barcelona defender Sergi Domínguez, restoring the home side’s two-goal cushion.
The excitement didn’t end there. Abel Bretones, just minutes later, produced a spectacular long-range effort, making it 4-1 and effectively ending Barcelona’s comeback hopes.
The Catalans did manage a consolation goal in the closing stages, with substitute Lamine Yamal firing a thunderous strike from outside the box, but it was far too late to alter the outcome.
Osasuna’s clinical performance saw them climb to sixth in the La Liga table, with this victory marking their fourth league win of the season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona, despite the setback, remained at the top with 21 points from their opening eight matches.
Man of the Match – Bryan Zaragoza
Zaragoza was pivotal in Osasuna’s triumph. His speed, vision, and creativity tore Barcelona’s defense apart, with his assist for Budimir’s opener and his well-taken goal highlighting a stellar performance.
Defensively, he also contributed with two tackles, making him a constant presence throughout the match.
Barcelona will be eager to put this defeat behind them as they prepare for their Champions League clash against Young Boys on Tuesday.
With their European campaign off to a shaky start following a loss to Monaco, Hansi Flick’s side will need a strong response.
Osasuna, on the other hand, will look to build on this impressive result when they face Getafe next weekend.
