In what appears to a thrilling encounter between Osasuna and Barcelona, it is a match that always delivers drama and excitement between both of them. Barcelona started the game smoothly with
a cross from Frenkie de Jong which reached Gundogan and attempted to pass to Lewandowski was cleared back to De Jong. The Dutchman struck the right post and the rebound could only be turned wide by Lewandowski with an empty net. Lamine Yamal who had his third start to the season saw his shot bounced back to Gundogan but the treble winner saw flashed his volley wide of the top corner. Osasuna refused to sit back and watch Barcelona dominated the game, an effort from ex Barcelona players Jose Arnaiz the winger tested Ter Stegen with a decent crack from distance.
The tension on the away team kept on inclining with Ter Stegen again keeping Barcelona into the game. Jesus Areso broke into Barca's defense and found Oroz, whose effort was saved by an on rushing Ter Stegen who drove the ball away from danger zone. Barcelona went ahead before the break through Jules Kounde as he headed the ball from the corner kick by Gundogan to beat pass Osasuna shot stopper Aiite Fernandez. With that goal, Gundogan registered his second assist this season since his signing from Manchester City.
Osasuna deservedly leveled out procedures through a great Avila exertion. The Argentine winger made his way toward the edge of the box and then smashed his shot past Ter Stegen at the far post in the seventy sixth minute. Osasuna found themselves a man down eight minutes later as Alejandro Catena was sent off for grabbing Lewandowski in the box and the Polish striker cooly slotted in an 86th-minute winner.
Lewandowski registered his first penalty goal since joining the club last year. He also recorded his second goal this season as Barcelona trail Real Madrid with 2 points going into the international break.
PLAYERS RATING
1. MARC TER STEGEN 7/10
He kept Barcelona into the game with beautiful saves. He wasn’t caught lacking but was beaten by Argentina winger Avila.
2. JULES KOUNDE 9/10
He has been Barcelona best player this season and scored Barcelona first goal through Gundogan corner. He has put up a beautiful performance since playing his natural position (center back). Currently he is one of the best so far in Europe. A man of the match worthy contender but the award goes to Frenkie De Jong.
3. SERGIO ROBERTO 6/10
The Barcelona first captain struggled in his positions and got helped out a lot by the young and shining youngsters Lamine Yamal.
4. CHRISTENSEN 7/10
It seems he is nudging an injury but had a decent performance until he was replaced by Inigo Martinez. He had a great game.
5. ALEJANDRO BALDE 7/10
Attack wise he was a threat. Always pushing and driving forward with his pace trying to make a cross into the opponent box. No proper left winger to support his ambitions but nevertheless, he had a great game.
6. GUNDOGAN 8/10
Gundogan performance has gone under the radar but now we see why Xavi has been eager for his signing. He is the calm within the storm. Possessive ball carrier, he isn’t scared of making those passes. Got his second assist this season as he found Kounde the opposition box.
7. ORIOL ROMEU 7.5/10
Oriol Romeu has been a great steal. The man brought in to replace the legendary Sergio Busquet, Oriol hasn’t had a bad game so far. He is physically strong and nobody can take the ball from him easily without a fight. Great signing
8. FRENKIE DE JONG 9/10
We see why Erik Ten Hag has been clamoring for his signing. Xavi has found a way to bring the best out from Frenkie De jong by playing the 4 man midfielders. This gives room for Frenkie to drive and explore his options. He everywhere causing terrors with magnificent passing lanes. He had most of the ball also.
9. GAVI 7.5/10
A night to remember for Gavi as he registered his 100 appearances for the club. Just 19 years of age and he has played 100 games for the club. He is as relentless as a fox always looking to win the ball back for the team.
10. LAMINE YAMAL 6/10
With Sergio Roberto in the lineup, he couldn’t linkup well with Roberto because he found himself trailing back to cover for Roberto. This is his third starts of the season.
11. LEWANDOWSKI 7/10
Despite having a goal to his name from the penalty spot, Lewandowski has been a shadow of his former self. Lewandowski had been vocally critical of Barca’s lack of attacking threat but I hope he can put the crisis to rest
12. INIGO MARTINEZ 5/10
He didn’t have much playing time so it will be difficult to rate him. But he held his ground the few minutes he came on.
13. FERRAN TORRES 5/10
He didn’t see much of the ball as Osasuna made Barcelona to defend more going into the remaining 10-15 minutes of the game.
14. JOAO CANCELO 8/10
Just 30 minutes of play and he already showed us what we’ve been missing. It proves that we have been starved by Roberto, Semedo and Dest. Cancelo showed why Barcelona need to break the bank and make the signing permanent.
15. JOAO FELIX 5/10
He didn’t get much of the ball and could be seen helping the defenders out a lot also. Can’t wait to see him shine wearing the Blaugrana colors.
16. RAPHINHA 5/10
A late sub as he was replacing Lewandowski dying minutes of the game. Had
What are you thoughts? Do you agree with these players rating? Let us know in the comments section
