Club Atlético Osasuna, under the guidance of Vicente Moreno, has convincingly defeated the previously unbeaten LaLiga leaders in a stunning display.
Last night at El Sadar was a memorable occasion, with the Flick-led Barça falling prey to an unleashed Osasuna side, managing to bring down a team that came in high spirits with a near-perfect record. Playing a frenetic and reactive style that delights the Navarrese fans, the 16 men in red emptied their tanks for a well-deserved victory with a total of four goals.
Against what still can be regarded as one of the best teams in the world based on current form, Osasuna showcased a genuine exhibition: Budimir scored twice, Bryan Zaragoza displayed his rebellious spirit, and Abel Bretones capped it off with a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner. Vicente Moreno could not have dreamed of such a match against Hansi Flick, who arrived in Pamplona full of confidence and with a heavily rotated side that proved costly. By the time he sought remedies through substitutions like Lamine, Raphinha, or Casadó, the bleeding was already too severe, and the damage was irreparable.
Despite experiencing difficulties due to Sergio Herrera’s mistake leading to Pau Víctor’s goal, with Catena and Boyomo forming a solid partnership at the back and Areso being tireless, the team excelled from midfield onwards. Aimar and Rubén, two relentless geniuses, had no trouble in amplifying their defensive efforts to back up the shield offered by Torró and Pablo Ibañez. Two more goals were needed.
Budimir, now the second all-time top scorer for Osasuna, had another magical evening. After opening his account with a penalty in the previous match at home against Las Palmas following a somewhat meek start to the season, the Croatian displayed all his talent in a crucial moment. In front of a packed stadium, filled with hope, the ‘Swan’ scored a beautifully crafted goal, heading in a delightful cross from his partner Bryan Zaragoza. Another standout performance came after Pau Víctor’s goal brought the visitors back into the match (2-1), prompting the Croatian to decisively score the third from the penalty spot, adding to his personal tally. A definitive ‘KO’. “We played well, and I’m very happy to win again at home. It’s a joy to play at El Sadar in front of this crowd. Everything is easier with their support; they were spectacular today,” he said post-match.
If Budimir’s performance was outstanding, the true star was Bryan Zaragoza. The Bayern Munich-loaned player faced his favorite adversary (he previously netted a brace against Barça during his time at Granada) and decided to update the bad memory for Catalan fans. With a goal and an assist in hand, the talented 23-year-old winger toyed with the Barcelona defense, dazzling everyone with dribbles and flair, culminating in a goal.
Goalkeeper Iñaki Peña could feel it firsthand, as he watched the Osasuna star dispose of him in a one-on-one with a step-over move that only the streetwise players can accomplish, those who learn to dribble on the streets by imitating their idols and are naturally daring. “The step-over? That’s not something you learn. You either have it or you don’t, and I have it,” Bryan Zaragoza stated confidently after the final whistle. His smile radiates through all of Iruña.
