Barcelona suffer first defeat of 2024/25 La Liga season as they succumb to 4-2 defeat away from home vs Osasuna
Barcelona suffered their first La Liga defeat of the season at the hands of Osasuna on Saturday, September 28, at El Sadar. The home side secured a historic 4-2 win, their first victory over the Catalans since 2012.
Hansi Flick's team arrived at the game in inspired form. The La Liga giants had a 100% record in the league, winning all seven games. It was the second-best start to a league season in their history.
Barcelona had scored 23 goals and conceded just five from their seven games in the buildup to the tie. Flick's touch had transformed Raphinha into his scintillating best. Robert Lewandowski had rolled back the years. Lamine Yamal was already taking La Liga by storm.
Their opponents, meanwhile, had drawn two and lost two of their opening seven games. The Catalans were the overwhelming favorites going into the game and were expected to register their best start to a season this weekend.
Flick opted to keep both Raphinha and Yamal on the bench for the game, giving them much-deserved rests. Both players had started all previous eight games this season and perhaps the German manager was confident that he had the personnel to get the job done.
Unfortunately, Ante Budimir shocked Barcelona by scoring the opening goal of the game in the 18th minute with a close-range header. Bryan Zaragoza, who had set up the first goal, then doubled the lead from a quick counter 10 minutes later.
New Catalans signing Pau Victor ignited hopes of a comeback after Osasuna custodian Sergio Herrera failed to stop the Spaniard's weak strike in the 53rd minute. Flick brought on Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, hoping to use the momentum to his advantage.
However, Budimir reinstated the two-goal cushion from the spot in the 72nd minute. Abel Bretones scored the home side's fourth goal of the game in the 85th minute. Yamal's 89th-minute strike proved to be a mere consolation.
Barcelona registered 12 shots in the game, six of which were on target. They had 75% possession and registered 673 passes with an 87% completion rate. However, they were undone by a resolute Osasuna side, who were simply the better team on the night.
Barcelona will have to quickly put the defeat behind them
While the defeat will hurt Barcelona, they will have little time to dwell on an off-day at work. The Catalans next face Young Boys at home on Tuesday, October 1, in the Champions League.
Hansi Flick will be determined to use the occasion to get his team back on track. The La Liga giants desperately need a win after their opening-day defeat against Monaco in Europe.
With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha likely to return to the starting XI, Barcelona will be quietly confident of picking up all three points. A win would also prove that the weekend's debacle was a one-off affair.