Barcelona travelled to Osasuna on Saturday looking to make it nine straight wins in La Liga this season.
The Catalan outfit dominated possession in the first period, but could not force an opening with the scores level at the interval.
Barcelona had the best of the opportunities in the second half, but could not make the breakthrough as Osasuna claimed an unlikely point.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the El Sadar as Osasuna welcome Barcelona. Three points for the home side would move them out of the bottom three, but it is a tough ask for the team from Pamplona with the champions Barcelona in incredible form in the early part of the season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won four of the last five matches, but Osasuna were 3-2 winners when they welcomed the Catalan outfit in the league in February 2012. As mentioned, they had no such luck last season with Barcelona running out 2-1 winners, before winning 5-1 at the Camp Nou in January.
TEAMS:
OSASUNA: Fernandez; Damia, Lolo, Loties, Bertran; Arribas, Silva, Sisi, De las Cuevas; Torres, Riera
BARCELONA: Valdes; Montoya, Puyol, Bartra, Adriano; Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets; Pedro, Fabregas, Neymar
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Osasuna XI this evening with Roberto Torres and Oriol Riera continuing in the final third, while there are also starts for Sisi and Marc Betran. Barcelona, meanwhile, recall skipper Carlos Puyol following a long-term injury. Martin Montoya also starts, but Lionel Messi is only fit enough for the bench on his return from a thigh injury.
It hasn’t been quite the start that Osasuna would have wanted, but their struggles this season are not much of a surprise. They didn’t pick up a single point until they beat Elche on September 20, but there are a few signs that the tide could be turning. As it stands, they sit 18th in the table with just six points from their eight matches.
As mentioned, they have won just twice this season, but both of those wins have come in the last four matches. Last time out they recorded an impressive 1-0 win in Malaga, and had given Atletico Madrid a real scare on September 24 before losing 2-1. A similar performance this evening would make it difficult for Barcelona there is no question about that.
Goals have been a problem for Osasuna this season with just six strikes to their name thus far, which is the second-worst record in the league. Keeping the opponents out has also proved troublesome with 13 goals conceded. Selling their top scorer from last season in the summer, Kike Sola, has not helped their cause in the early part of this campaign.
There are no such concerns for Barcelona, however, with the Catalan outfit topping the table with 24 points. They have conceded just six times – which is the joint-best record in the league – and scored 28, seven more than Atletico Madrid. Lionel Messi, despite struggling with injury this season, has managed eight league goals thus far.
You could be forgiven for thinking that Barcelona, having recorded maximum points thus far, were the clear leaders in the division. That is not the case with Atletico Madrid matching them stride for stride thus far. That is the nature of La Liga this season, any slip could be punished, which makes this another vital game for Barcelona.
PREDICTION: Osasuna will enter the match full of confidence following their 1-0 win over Malaga last time out, but they face a different animal this evening. Not only have Barcelona got Lionel Messi returning to their squad, Carlos Puyol comes back into their defence. I would be surprised if the Catalan outfit were not comfortable winners in Pamplona this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Surely Osasuna cannot pull off a shock result this evening, or can they? Be sure to remain with us for the action as Osasuna get the first period underway on this warm evening in Spain.
Barcelona have won just three of their last eight in this stadium, therefore the Catalan outfit have not had it all their own way. The away side play in their yellow and red strip this evening with Osasuna in their home kit. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes, but Barcelona have settled into an early passing tempo.
There is a real concern among both sets of supporters as Sisi goes down holding his knee. It came about following a challenge with Puyol, but the centre-back did not make contact with the Spaniard. He has managed to hobble off, but it is not yet clear whether the midfielder will be able to continue. Osasuna do not have the biggest of squads and therefore it would be a big blow.
Sisi does return to the field, but he hits the deck moments later as he attempts to challenge Iniesta. He has a history of knee problems and it does appear that has come back to haunt him. He is indeed taken off on a stretcher with Manuel entering the field. That is a sorry sight as both sets of players applaud Sisi from the field. Barcelona still in control of the possession with six minutes on the clock.
First real involvement for Neymar as Iniesta attempts to find the Brazilian, but the striker had moved into an offside position. That early injury to Sisi has just quietened the stadium, while not a lot is happening in either final third. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to score first if they are to take something from the match.
Osasuna are playing a very high line at the moment, which is a dangerous game with the amount of pace that Barcelona have in the final third. Osasuna enjoy a spell moments later as Damia drives down the right, but his cross is straight into the arms of Valdes. Neither side has really been allowed to settle in the opening 10 minutes of football.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Montoya links with Pedro before attempting to round the final defender, but Lolo is across to clear at the vital moment. Iniesta looks for the run of Pedro moments later, but Andres Fernandez is in control of the situation. The referee is called into action in the next attack as Silva fells Neymar in the middle of the park.
Barcelona are in total control of the possession at the moment as they continue to pass and probe outside the box. Neymar wants a penalty as he tumbles in the box under a challenge from Bertran, but the referee is not interested, much to the frustration of the Brazilian. Osasuna, meanwhile, are just struggling to keep hold of the ball for any extended period.
A wicked cross from Torres threatens to cause problems in the Barcelona box, but Riera is adjudged to have felled Busquets inside the area, with the referee awarding a free kick. Montoya is on the charge down the other end as he delivers a low cross towards Pedro, but Arribas is on hand to clear at the vital moment.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Iniesta collects possession outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Fernandez. Osasuna attempt to break down the other end, but Busquets is across to challenge Silva. Still goalless with 19 minutes on the clock in this La Liga fixture.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Barcelona remain in complete control of the possession. Montoya continues to operate in an advanced position, but his final pass has let him down on a couple of occasions. Osasuna are fairly comfortable in dealing with the danger at the moment, but all it takes is one bit of magic from someone in a yellow and red strip.
Another shooting chance for Iniesta as the Spaniard picks up a loose ball outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the target. Osasuna do not create a lot of chances, but they are compact in defence. There is simply no room for Barcelona to operate on this new pitch at the moment.
Neymar is not too happy with the referee at the moment as the Brazilian again loses possession outside the box, claiming a foul from Lolo. He has been given some rough treatment there is no question about that. Just a quick update on Sisi - it is understood that the midfielder has arrived at the hospital to undergo a scan on his injured knee.
Half-chance for Osasuna as De las Cuevas carries the ball into the Barcelona box, but Puyol is across to clear at the vital moment. Puyol is called into action once more to clear from Riera in the next attack as the pressue grows, before Neymar is denied by the diving Fernandez down the other end.
Osasuna continue to force the danger as Manuel strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always flying high and wide of the crossbar. Slight problem for Neymar moments later as he hobbles off the pitch, but he does return following a period of treatment. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Pamplona.
Again it's good work from Riera as the Osasuna forward combines with De las Cuevas before delivering a cross into the box, but Puyol is on hand to make the clearance. Barcelona are down the other end with Montoya moments later, but there are no takers on his low cross into the area. Still goalless with Osasuna more than matching their opponents this evening.
There is just no way through for Barcelona at the moment with a red shirt on hand to clear the danger on each occasion. Barcelona's level has just dropped in the latter stages of the half, but you still fancy them to come good at some point, especially with a certain Argentine on the bench. Still we wait for the opening goal of the evening.
Again Torres is involved for the home side as he attempts to poke one towards Lolo, but Valdes is on hand to claim. The atmosphere has just dropped inside the stadium with neither side offering too much in the final third. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal as Adriano is closed out at the vital moment by Loties.
Opportunity for Xavi to deliver a dangerous cross into the box as Adriano is felled by Loties - it falls to Pedro, but his effort is straight at Fernandez. You just get the feeling that Osasuna need to keep it tight in the latter stages of the first period if they are to take something from the match. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Half-chance for the away side as Xavi looks for the run of Neymar once more, but Fernandez is quick off his line to clear the danger. Osasuna advance down the other end with De las Cuevas, but he is closed out at the final moment. The home side have more than matched Barcelona here make no mistake about that.
It's really good defending from Arribas as the Osasuna defender manages to deny Fabregas after the Spaniard had been found by Neymar inside the box. Barcelona have not had it all their own way thus far this evening. A half-chance comes to Bartra moments later, but his header is high and wide of the crossbar.
HALF TIME: Osasuna 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Barcelona have had the majority of the possession, but Osasuna have also had their moments in an entertaining first period. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Barcelona have dominated the possession with 74%, while they have had two attempts - one of which has been on target. Osasuna have had three, meanwhile, with just one testing Valdes. Just the one yellow card to report with Fabregas booked for handling inside the Osasuna penalty area, a decision that the Spaniard contested.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have already been forced into one change with Manuel replacing Sisi. However, they still have the likes of Ariel Nunez, Oier and Miguel Flano in reserve. Barcelona, meanwhile, have a certain Lionel Messi, Cristian Tello and Sergi Roberto among their subs this evening.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. It would be one of the shocks of the season if Osasuna could hold Barcelona this evening, but there are still 45 minutes of football to play. No changes for either side at the interval as Barcelona get the second period underway.
Bright start to the second period from Osasuna as De las Cuevas advances down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but Bartra is on hand to make the clearance. It would raise the roof off this stadium if the home side could open the scoring. Barcelona are there for the taking some might argue.
Not too much for the Barcelona supporters to get excited about in the early stages of the second half with Osasuna on the front foot. I suspect we could see a certain Argentine introduced in the next 10 minutes or so if the score remains level. You have to question whether Osasuna can keep up this intensity for the entire 90 minutes.
In truth, not too much is happening at the moment with both sides struggling to keep hold of the ball, which is not something that you expect with Barcelona on the field. Both sides have sent subs to warm up and it would not be a surprise to see changes made. As it stands, we are heading for a goalless draw.
Half-chance for Barcelona as Iniesta spots the run of Neymar, but Arribas is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. You have to praise the home side for their defending this evening. Barcelona launch another attack moments later with Pedro, but his cross is into the arms of Osasuna stopper Fernandez.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Montoya drives a low cross towards Neymar, but the Brazilian cannot make contact, much to the frustration of the Barcelona bench, with Martino immeidately gesturing for Messi. The news does not get much worse for Osasuna with little over 30 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Neymar finds Fabregas inside the box, but he can only clip his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. The away side are starting to ask more questions there is no doubt about that. Both managers are preparing chances as we enter the final 30 minutes of action in Pamplona.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Fabregas as Xavi finds the Spaniard inside the box, but he fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Osasuna need to be really careful here as they continue to attack, which is leaving space for the away side. Changes appear imminent in this La Liga fixture.
The chances continue to arrive for the away side as Adriano drives a low cross into the box, but once more there are no takers inside the area. Osasuna break down the other end with Riera, but the Spaniard fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Still goalless with little over 25 minutes of football remaining.
It's wonderful work from Neymar as the Brazilian cuts inside two defenders before finding Montoya inside the box, but his touch was poor, allowing Lolo across to clear. Fabregas strikes one from outside the box moments later, but his effort is high and wide. Moments later, Osasuna make their second change as Punal replaces Riera, which is a surprise.
Barcelona also make their first change of the match as Messi replaces Xavi, who takes his place on the bench. That change will see Fabregas drop into a midfield position. Right, little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Pamplona. I would be astounded if this finished 0-0. What a result it would be for Osasuna if they can produce a shock here.
Desperate defending from the home side as Barcelona attempt to move into the heart of the Osasuna box, but Lolo manages to clear at the vital moment. Twice Messi has had possession inside the home side's area, but the Argentine has been denied on both occasions. Osasuna are not just sitting back, however, as Torres leads another attack for the home side moments later.
How must the Atletico Madrid players be feeling? They face Espanyol in the 9pm start this evening and would move top with three points if the score remains the same. Neymar attempts to change that as he collects a high pass from Iniesta, but Fernandez is out to claim at the vital moment.
Slight problem for Bertran as the Osasuna defender falls to the ground, but the referee is not interested. Play continues, but Arribas is across to challenge Messi inside the box. Barcelona make their second change moments later as Tello replaces Pedro, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period.
Bertran is in trouble with the referee moments later as he elbows Neymar in the face. Barcelona continue to force the issue outside the Osasuna box, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. It would be so tough on Osasuna if Barcelona found a winner in the final 10 minutes or so. Who would have predicted a 0-0 in this one?
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Messi strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Osasuna are just attempting to slow the tempo at the moment with a number of their players hitting the deck. Oier will soon join us as the home side prepare to make their third and final change of the evening.
Osasuna do indeed make their final change of the match as Oier replaces De las Cuevas, who has been impressive this evening. Little over five minutes of normal time for Osasuna to hold onto a point here. Is Barcelona's winning run about to come to an end? Or will there be late drama?
Half-chance for Messi as the Argentine collects a pass from Iniesta, but he cannot make proper contract, with Fernandez on hand to collect the danger. One-way traffic at the moment as Osasuna camp on the edge of their own area. You just get the feeling that there will be a couple more chances in the latter stages.
It's good work from Manuel as the Osasuna forward chases his own header down the right, but the home side cannot keep hold of the ball as Busquets clears the danger. Barcelona have possession down the other end moments later, but Arribas is on hand to hook clear under pressure from Tello.
Fabregas wants a free kick on the edge of the box as he falls to the ground under pressure from Bertran, but the referee is not interested. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes. Three minutes for Osasuna to hold on.
The yellow cards continue to add up for Osasuna as Manuel fells Busquets outside the box. If the goal is going to come for Barcelona, then it has to come now. Osasuna continue to clear their lines with Lolo the latest to clear into touch. Little over 30 seconds of football remaining as Tello's low cross is into the arms of Fernandez.
FULL TIME: Osasuna 0-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. Stunning result for Osasuna as they become the first team to take points off Barcelona this season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Espanyol against Atletico Madrid. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
