Barcelona aims for 7-point lead against Osasuna in La Liga
2024-09-29 02:22- Osasuna defeated FC Barcelona 4-2, ending their perfect start to the La Liga season.
- Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick rotated the lineup, resting key players, which impacted the team's performance.
- The defeat leaves Barcelona at the top of the league, but they missed the chance to equal their club record for consecutive wins.
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Insights
FC Barcelona faced their first defeat of the 2024/2025 La Liga season on September 28, 2024, losing 4-2 to Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar. The match marked a significant upset as Barcelona had won all seven of their previous fixtures. Hansi Flick, the Barcelona head coach, made several rotations in the lineup, resting key players like Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, which may have contributed to the team's poor performance. Osasuna capitalized on this, with Ante Budimir scoring twice and Bryan Zaragoza playing a pivotal role in the victory. Despite a brief resurgence from Barcelona, who pulled one goal back through Pau Victor, Osasuna's dominance was evident as they maintained control throughout the match. Budimir's penalty solidified the win, and Abel Bretones added a sensational fourth goal. Barcelona's defeat not only halted their perfect start but also prevented them from equaling their club record of eight consecutive league wins. In the aftermath, Flick acknowledged the mistakes made by his team, particularly in the first half, and defended his decision to rotate players due to the congested fixture schedule. He expressed hope that the team would recover key players after the international break, which would provide more options moving forward. Osasuna's victory propelled them into sixth place in the league, showcasing their strong home form this season. Meanwhile, Barcelona remained at the top of the table, four points clear of Real Madrid, who were set to play Atletico Madrid in a crucial derby match soon after.
Contexts
In the 2024/2025 season, FC Barcelona has faced a challenging start, marked by a disappointing defeat against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League. The Blaugrana's opening match ended in a 2-1 loss, leaving them at the bottom of their group with zero points. Despite this setback, the team has shown promise in La Liga, with standout performances from young talents like Lamine Yamal and Pau Víctor, who recently scored his first goal for the club. The management team, led by Hansi Flick, has been working diligently to refine the squad. With several players recovering from injuries, including key midfielder Frenkie de Jong, the coach is eager to solidify his starting lineup. The defense remains a concern, especially with Ronald Araujo sidelined for four months. However, the presence of experienced players like Jules Kounde and Marc-Andre ter Stegen provides a solid foundation. In the attacking front, Robert Lewandowski continues to be a crucial figure, having scored multiple goals across competitions. His ability to convert penalties has also been vital, as he successfully transformed the only penalty awarded to Barcelona this season. Meanwhile, Fermín López has emerged as a promising talent, finishing his first season with 11 goals, showcasing the depth of the squad. As the season progresses, Barcelona aims to bounce back from their Champions League defeat and maintain their competitive edge in La Liga. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, the team is determined to reclaim its status as a dominant force in both domestic and international football.
