Osasuna 4-2 Barcelona: Barca player ratings as they suffer first defeat of La Liga season
Barcelona visited the Estadio El Sadar on Saturday, September 28, where they endured a shocking 4-2 defeat at the hands of Osasuna in La Liga. La Blaugrana were widely expected to continue their impressive run of form, having won their first seven La Liga games in a row under new manager Hansi Flick. However, they were not as clinical as their opponents.
The first half was a show of power from the hosts, as they stunned Barca with an early goal through Ante Budimir (18'). The 33-year-old striker headed home a brilliant cross from Bryan Zaragoza, placing the effort beyond goalkeeper Inaki Pena.
Zaragoza turned from provider to goalscorer ten minutes later. A brilliant pass from Pablo Ibanez opened up Barcelona's defense, with Zaragoza one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The winger rounded Pena with his quick feet, before placing the ball into the center of an empty net.
Barca attempted to mount a comeback in the second half and Osasuna certainly played their part in giving La Blaugrana some hope that they could turn things around. The hosts lost the ball after misplacing a pass in their defensive third and goalkeeper Sergio Herrera fumbled Pau Victor's tame effort from distance in the 53rd minute.
Any hope for a comeback was crushed, though, as Budimir scored his second goal from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute after being fouled in the box by Sergi Dominguez. In the 85th minute, Abel Bretones made it 4-1 with a powerful shot from distance.
Lamine Yamal came on from the bench to power in an 89th minute effort from just outside the penalty area, but the goal proved to be mere consolation as the game ended 4-2.
Barcelona player ratings
Inaki Pena - 4/10
It was a rather subpar performance from the goalkeeper as he conceded four goals. He made only one save throughout the match.
Gerard Martin - 6/10
Gerard Martin's assist for Barcelona's first goal was the main highlight of the 22-year-old's game. He struggled in defense and could do little to help the team maintain their shape.
Pau Cubarsi - 5/10
Cubarsi could have done better in defense as he failed to keep Osasuna at bay.
Sergi Dominguez - 4/10
His overall performance was poor, and it did not help that he conceded the penalty in the second half.
Jules Kounde - 5/10
Much was expected of Jules Kounde, as the 25-year-old was the oldest defender in Barcelona's backline. However, the Frenchman was lacking in defense, losing seven of the 13 duels he contested.
Pedri - 7/10
While the defense behind him struggled, Pedri was quite unstoppable. He was constantly busy in the middle of the park, winning duels, and carrying the ball into the final third.
Eric Garcia - 6/10
Aside from a notable shot at goal, he helped retain possession and keep Barca in the game, at least until things crumbled at the back.
Pau Victor - 7/10
It took some very quick thinking for the 22-year-old to catch the goalkeeper off his line and score Barcelona's first goal. He also looked lively for much of the game.
Pablo Torre - 6/10
He struggled to get into the grunt of things, barely making an impact inside the opposition's box.
Ferran Torres - 7/10
Just like Victor, the forward looked lively whenever he got on the ball. He was eventually rewarded with an assist for Lamine Yamal's late goal.
Robert Lewandowski - 6/10
The Polish marksman had one opportunity to shine when he got a shot in the area, but his effort was saved by Herrera.
Barcelona substitutes
Lamine Yamal - 7/10
The winger was immediately bright and put Osasuna on the backfoot as soon as he got on the pitch. In his 31 minutes on the pitch, the 17-year-old scored a brilliant effort from distance.
Raphinha - 6/10
He came on at the same time as Lamine Yamal, but did not have a similar impact on the game.
Alex Balde - 5/10
He came onto the pitch in the 70th minute and could not do much to keep La Blaugrana from conceding two goals in the short time remaining.
Marc Casado - 5/10
He helped retain possession with his passing in the 20 minutes he played.
Hector Fort - N/A
Did not play enough to be rated.