Did Pep risk too much at Osasuna?

Pep looks on to his bench

Last night's game saw Barcelona lose more ground in the title race after a 3-2 defeat to Osasuna. The Catalans failed to adapt to the icy conditions and Guardiola came under fire for his less then full strength selection.

Guardiola started Thiago and Sergi Roberto in midfield leaving out more experienced players such as Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fàbregas. Wary of the midweek Champions League clash aganist Bayer Leverkusen, Pep felt his youngsters were good enough to seal a win.

He was wrong. Both of Osasuna's goal scorers were over the age of 25 and proved that experience is vital. The home team adapted better to the conditions and that was no doubt a product of the experience the team holds.

Barcelona's play relies on quick, skilful passing. A technique of which the pitch denied them and therefore a rethink was needed. Perhaps the experience of Xavi or Iniesta would've enabled them to play a more direct tactic.

Both players remained on the frozen bench for the duration of the game whilst Fàbregas was brought on twenty minutes from time in an attempt to salvage a point. The Spaniard could not prevent the Catalans from slumping to their second defeat of the season and losing more ground in the race to catch Madrid.

It would appear then that Guardiola risked too much last night. The tie against Bayer Leverkusen is over two legs, so perhaps Pep could've risked his youngsters in the first leg with an assurance that a second leg tie was to come.

In a campaign where Barcelona have dropped points on seven occasions, many fans have questioned whether complacency has sent in. Maybe this is way Guardiola chose to field a young, fresh side. Unlike most of the Barça squad the youngsters have not won everything yet and are still fighting for their first league title. A hunger that was visible in last night's performance but the players lacked the skills of the regulars and when faced with a frozen pitch and a tough Osasuna defence, failed to work their way to victory.

Madrid fans can't believe their luck as the "best side in history" failed to temporarily close the gap. Giving them hope that Mourinho may have actually done the impossible and toppled Barcelona.

Guardiola meanwhile is now facing the possibility that he may end up with a trophy-less end to the season. Of course they're still favourites to win the Champions Leguege but if Madrid were to kill off the league early then that would give them time to rest their big players. A luxury Barcelona would not have and maybe swinging the odds in Mourinho's favour.

For now Guardiola and his players still believe they will retain their title but the coach will have to solve their away difficulties sooner rather then later if that dream is made into a reality.

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