Osasuna delivered a stunning 4-2 victory over La Liga leaders Barcelona, ending their perfect start to the season. Coach Hansi Flick, who rotated his squad heavily, accepted responsibility for the defeat. Despite winning their first seven matches, Barcelona faltered in Pamplona as Ante Budimir netted twice, with Bryan Zaragoza and Abel Bretones also getting on the scoresheet for Osasuna.
Pau Victor briefly gave Barcelona hope, reducing the deficit before Budimir converted a penalty. Bretones later struck a superb fourth goal for Osasuna from the edge of the box, though Lamine Yamal responded with a fine effort for Barcelona.
A win would have equaled Barcelona’s best-ever start to a league campaign with eight consecutive victories, but the loss left them unable to extend their four-point lead over second-place Real Madrid, with a challenging derby against Atletico Madrid looming on Sunday.
Flick acknowledged Barcelona’s underperformance, particularly in the first half, attributing it to numerous changes in the squad. He stated that rotation was necessary, as many players had accumulated significant minutes, and he took full responsibility for the defeat.
With a Champions League clash against Young Boys on the horizon, Flick rotated his lineup, resting key players such as Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Injuries to other regulars also forced him to start inexperienced defenders Gerard Martin and Sergi Dominguez, along with Pablo Torre in midfield and Pau Victor in attack.
Barcelona struggled to find rhythm, and Osasuna’s Zaragoza, who had troubled Barcelona last season while playing for Granada, took full advantage. Zaragoza provided the assist for Budimir’s opener in the 18th minute, then added a second goal 10 minutes later, calmly rounding goalkeeper Iñaki Peña before scoring.
Barcelona had few clear chances, with their best opportunity falling to Ferran Torres, who failed to control the ball at the edge of the box.
In the second half, after Victor’s goal capitalized on a mistake by Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, Barcelona gained momentum. Yamal and Raphinha’s introduction improved their attack, but Robert Lewandowski was substituted after an uninspired performance.
Despite Barcelona’s resurgence, Osasuna extended their lead when Budimir converted a penalty following a foul by Dominguez. Ruben Peña missed a chance to make it four, but Bretones sealed the win with a long-range strike.
Yamal’s late goal and Torres’ effort that hit the post weren’t enough to mount a comeback. Midfielder Pedri later acknowledged the squad rotations but refused to use them as an excuse, admitting that Barcelona could have done better, particularly in the second half.
Osasuna, now up to sixth place, relished their victory. Zaragoza emphasized his team’s determination to take on the league leaders: “We knew Barca were a great team, but we went out there ready to fight, and it was a special game for us.”
In other La Liga action, Real Sociedad secured a 3-0 win over Valencia, Getafe earned their first win of the season by defeating Alaves 2-0, and Rayo Vallecano played out a 1-1 draw with Leganes. Osasuna shocked La Liga leaders Barcelona with a remarkable victory, despite the absence of Lamine Yamal from the starting lineup. In additional league matches, Real Sociedad dominated Valencia with a convincing 3-0 win, Getafe celebrated their first victory of the season by triumphing over Alaves 2-0, while Rayo Vallecano and Leganes settled for a 1-1 draw.
