CA Osasuna brought FC Barcelona's flawless seven-match winning start to the 2024-25 La Liga season to a dramatic halt at El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona, clinching an electrifying 4-2 victory fueled by a clinical brace from Croatian striker Ante Budimir and a dazzling display from winger Bryan Zaragoza. With manager Hansi Flick opting for heavy squad rotation ahead of midweek Champions League action, the hosts punished a disjointed Blaugrana defense in front of a jubilant Navarrese crowd.
Flick left attacking catalysts Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the bench from the opening whistle, fielding youngsters Pau Víctor, Pablo Torre, and Sergi Domínguez. Osasuna seized the initiative immediately. In the 18th minute, Zaragoza—on loan from Bayern Munich—accelerated down the left wing and whipped in an inch-perfect cross that Budimir powered past goalkeeper Iñaki Peña with a towering header.
Bryan Zaragoza's Brilliance and Ante Budimir's Clinical Double
Ten minutes later, El Sadar erupted again. Pablo Ibáñez won possession in midfield and threaded a through-ball to Zaragoza, who mesmerized Peña with a deft feint at full speed before slotting into the unguarded net for a 2-0 halftime lead. Barcelona pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute when Pau Víctor's speculative 22-meter shot slipped through the grasp of Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera.
Despite Flick introducing Yamal and Raphinha on the hour mark, Osasuna restored their two-goal cushion in the 72nd minute after Domínguez fouled Budimir in the box, allowing the Croatian international to convert coolly from the penalty spot. Substitute Abel Bretones made it 4-1 in the 85th minute with a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the area before 17-year-old Yamal curled a superb consolation effort into the top corner in the 89th minute.
“To defeat a Barcelona side that had won every league match takes immense courage, tactical unity, and the unforgettable energy of our supporters at El Sadar.”
Hansi Flick Takes Responsibility for Squad Rotation
Speaking after the final whistle, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick declined to blame his young starters, stating that the extensive rotation was necessary to manage player workloads amid a congested autumn fixture calendar and a lengthy injury list.
Even in defeat, Barcelona remain atop the La Liga standings with 21 points from eight matches, while Vicente Moreno's Osasuna climb into the European qualification places after extending their formidable unbeaten home record at El Sadar to five games.
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