Barcelona’s recent performance in the league has been impressive, showcasing their ability to tackle tough circumstances.
Despite facing a challenging situation with eight players sidelined due to injuries, the team managed to embark on a remarkable seven-game unbeaten run.
This resilience not only led to victories but also allowed them to score goals with ease. However, their winning streak came to a sudden halt in a match against Osasuna, where Barcelona suffered a disappointing 2-4 defeat.
Coach Hansi Flick made several alterations to his starting lineup in an attempt to manage player fatigue, which unfortunately did not yield the desired results.
The decision to leave five key starters on the bench proved detrimental, leading to a performance that left much to be desired.
In this article, we will delve into the various factors that contributed to Barcelona’s downfall in this match.
Lack of movement
One of the most glaring issues during the game was the team’s lack of movement. The attacking plays were largely ineffective, as the game felt sluggish and lacked the dynamic movement necessary to create openings.
The absence of Lamine Yamal was particularly impactful, as his agility and pace usually help to stretch the opposition’s defence. Similarly, Raphinha’s absence on the left wing deprived the team of his ability to generate space for others.
Gerard Martin, who stepped in for Alejandro Balde, struggled to bring the same attacking prowess to the game. On the right wing, Ferran Torres had a lacklustre performance until the latter stages of the match, when he managed to come close to scoring on two occasions.
His attempts were commendable but came too late to make a significant impact. Jules Kounde was the only player capable of posing a threat down the flanks until Yamal was substituted into the game, but even his efforts were insufficient to change the tide.
Lack of chances and defensive instability
Barcelona’s offensive woes were compounded by their inability to create clear scoring opportunities. The team, known for its attacking creativity, seemed hesitant and slow in their build-up play, which allowed Osasuna to dominate the game.
The hosts consistently won individual battles across the pitch, particularly in the midfield area, which is crucial for Barcelona’s style of play.
Osasuna players were able to outmuscle their Barcelona counterparts, resulting in a significant difference in effectiveness during individual duels. This was most evident in the first half, where Osasuna’s aggressive approach led to a series of successful recoveries.
In contrast, Barcelona struggled to regain possession and establish their usual vertical attacking play. It wasn’t until well into the second half that they began to show glimpses of their trademark style, by which point Osasuna had already secured a comfortable lead.
Failure to contain Bryan Zaragoza
Another critical factor in Barcelona’s defeat was their inability to contain Bryan Zaragoza, who was a standout performer for Osasuna.
On loan from Bayern Munich, Zaragoza showcased his talent by consistently troubling the Barcelona defence. In fact, in just 30 minutes, he had a significant impact, scoring two goals and setting up another with an impressive assist.
Zaragoza’s first goal contribution came from an exceptional individual effort against Kounde, where he managed to evade the defender and deliver a precise cross for Ante Budimir to convert.
The Barcelona defenders, particularly Pau Cubarsi, struggled to apply enough pressure on Zaragoza, allowing him to influence the game heavily. His ability to exploit the defensive gaps in Barcelona’s backline proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome of the match.
