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Osasuna shock Barça

Osasuna - FCB / FOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
Guardiola and substitute Iniesta 
Osasuna battled the icy conditions to produce a shock 3-2 victory over Barcelona. The Catalans' poor away form continued as they failed to adapt to a frozen pitch and conceded two early goals. A comeback looked likely when Alexis scored in the 50th minute but Barça's hopes faded when Raúl Garcia scored Osasuna's third.

Osasuna adapted to the conditions the quickest and found themselves ahead in the fourth minute. Lekic was the recipient of a clever pass that gave him space in the box and he calmly finished past Valdés to make it 1-0.

Pedro stared the game but for a player who's game heavily relies on his pace, a frozen pitch is a nightmare. The winger failed to get past any defenders and his shot fired disappointingly wide. Pedro's nightmare was representative of the whole Barcelona game, the world class passing was unable to function in such cold conditions.

Lekic doubled his goal tally in the 21st minute. A Barcelona-esque move allowed the 26 year old to again find space in the box. Breaking clear of a static back four to connect sweetly with the cross. Valdés could only stand still as the ball blasted past him into the net.

Barcelona's task was beginning to look impossible. When the half time interval came the disappointed Barça fans were visible within the stadium while Madrid fans were no doubt gleeful in the country's capital. In a tricky situation, Guardiola displayed his faith in the youth academy by bringing on youngsters Cuenca and Tello.

The attackers combined well with the senior players and within five minutes of the restart, Barça had pulled a goal back. Messi was set free down the right flank and produced a low cross into the box. The ball was smartly met with by Alexis Sánchez, the summer signing volleyed the ball hard into the net and reignited Barça fans' confidence.

Thiago and Sergi Roberto played a very convincing performance in the centre of the park. Both acting as if they had years of experience already under their belts. The midfielders outshone usual star Messi who could not reach his usual magnificent heights of brilliance. Failing to get ahold of the ball and directly influencing the play.

Four minutes after Barça's opener, their chances took another hit as Osasuna hit their third of the night. From a short goal kick, Osasuna regained possession then fed the ball to the wing. A low cross similar to Messi's landed at the feet of Raúl Garcia, who cleverly finished the ball in off the post.

Cristian Tello skilled his way to Barcelona's second in the 71st minute. Cutting back to fool the defender then powering a left foot shot into the net. Proving the winger's ambidextrous abilities.
2012-02-11 OSASUNA-FCB 01
Sergi Roberto and Alexis keep their heads down

Osasuna held on though even after the introduction of Cesc Fàbregas. The Spaniard tamely headed into the goalie's grateful arms late on in the game. A more clinical header would have surely got the equaliser for Guardiola. The chance came just after Alexis Sánchez had his goal falsely ruled out for offside.

The loss sees Barcelona remain seven points behind league leaders Real Madrid. But importantly Los Blancos have a game in hand over the Catalans. The league would appear to be over with this defeat but Madrid are still to face Levante on Sunday night, where only a loss would save Barça's blushes and keep their title hopes alive.

Full time result: Osasuna 3-2 Barcelona

Goal scorers: Osasuna: Lekic (4 & 21) Raúl Garcia (55) Barcelona: Alexis (50) Tello (71)

Team lineup:
Osasuna: Andrés Fernández, Marc Bertrán, Sergio, Miguel Flaño, Raitala, Puñal, Nekounam, Raúl García (Damia 89), Álvaro Cejudo, Nino (Lolo 78), Lekic (Balde 71) Subs: Calleja, Riesgo, Lamah,Timor
Formation: 4-3-3

Barcelona: Víctor Valdés, Dani Alves, Puyol (Tello 45), Piqué (Fàbregas 71), Abidal, Sergi Roberto, Mascherano, Thiago, Alexis, Messi, Pedro (Cuenca 45) Subs: Pinto, Xavi, Iniesta, Adriano
Formation: 4-3-3

Stadium: Reyno de Navarra

Referee: Paradas Romero

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