Goal.com - Home

thumbnail Hello,
play pause open close
 
Played
February 11, 2012 2:00 PM EST
Estadio El Sadar — Pamplona (Iruñea)
Referee:‬ José Paradas‎
Attendance:‬ 18000‎
 
22′ Dejan Lekic
Tello 73′
 
   
 
 

Player Ratings: Osasuna 3-2 Barcelona

Goal.com rates the players on show as Pep Guardiola's side suffer another away setback in La Liga at the hands of Jose Luis Mendilibar's men

By Martin Macdonald

  • Andrés Fernández
    37
    5
    4.00

    Andrés Fernández

    Could have done nothing to prevent Barcelona's goals and kept his side in the match at times with a couple of very good saves. In particular a shot from Tello that looked destined for the far corner and was turned round the post.

  • Marc Bertrán
    27
    6
    3.00

    Marc Bertrán

    Had a good first half and did not allow Pedro a sniff. However, after the introduction of Tello he looked on his heels and unable to deal with the pace of the Barca substitute. Also allowed him too much time on the ball when coming inside.

  • Miguel Flaño
    28
    5
    3.00

    Miguel Flaño

    Marking could have been better for Alexis' goal but that was just about the only thing he did wrong all night. Dealt with the attacking threat of Barcelona relatively OK and much like his defensive teammate, made some important interceptions and blocks on crosses.

  • Jukka Raitala
    31
    6
    3.00

    Jukka Raitala

    Both Osasuna full backs had a comfortable first half, but a fairly torrid second period. Cuenca came on and caused trouble with his lightning pace. He did manage to block a couple of crosses but awarded him to much to cross too often, which led to Barca's first goal.

  • Sergio
    30
    5
    3.50

    Sergio

    For the most part was rock solid tonight. Made some terrific blocks in and around the penalty area including blocking a Messi shot on the penalty spot. Was dominant in the air and his performance encapsulated the determination of Osasuna.

  • Javad Nekounam
    49
    4
    3.50

    Javad Nekounam

    Would have preferred that the ball was on the ground more from his side as he was unable to spread play for his team. However, did his defensive duties without complaint and partnered Punal solidly.

  • Patxi Puñal
    28
    5
    3.50

    Patxi Puñal

    Provided a very effective screen for his defense and tidied up the play in front of the Osasuna box. Tightened the space in the center which left Barcelona looking to the wings to create trouble.

  • Raúl García
    55
    11
    4.50

    Raúl García Top of the Match

    Very confident performance from the on-loan Atletico man. Flicked the ball through to Lekic for the opening goal to grab a masterful assist and grabbed a goal of his own with an incredible neat finish at the far post. Passing looking assured and accurate.

  • Álvaro Cejudo
    32
    6
    3.50

    Álvaro Cejudo

    Was awarded acres of space for basically the whole match by Eric Abidal and did manage to whip in a few cracking crosses, which led to Osasuna's second goal. Stretched the match for Osasuna with a few intelligent runs down the wing which took the pressure off his defense.

  • Dejan Lekic
    75
    7
    4.00

    Dejan Lekic

    Movement and strength was too much for Barcelona to deal with at times and was a true thorn in the side of Pique and Puyol. Held the ball up well from long balls and scored a brace with an emphatic finish and an instinctive striker's goal to drive his side to a famous victory.

  • Nino
    32
    4
    3.50

    Nino

    Provided Raul Garcia with a nice assist from the left-hand side and showed a cool veteran head which helped calm his teammates. Defied his age and kept on pressing and pressing Barcelona all night.

Substitutions

  • Manuel Ortiz Toribio
    23
    5
    3.00

    Manuel Ortiz Toribio

    Came on in the second half and helped his side see out the match.

  • Damià
    25
    5
    3.00

    Damià

    Late substitution.

  • Ibrahima
    29
    4
    3.00

    Ibrahima

    Hit the bar with a lovely chip from the edge of the box that was ultimately offside but showed great strength and determination to create the chance.

  • Víctor Valdés
    19
    52
    2.00

    Víctor Valdés

    Kept to the Barcelona style by attempting to pass the ball out from the back but this resulted in Osasuna's all-important third goal being scored. Could not do much for the other goals and his distribution was hampered by the bad surface.

  • Daniel Alves
    23
    46
    2.50

    Daniel Alves

    Simply is not as effective in any game without Xavi playing to provide passes over the top. Barely got up and down the right all night and looked suspect in defense. On more than one occasion, he lobbed the ball aimlessly into the box.

  • Piqué
    21
    50
    2.00

    Piqué

    Did not get tight enough to Lekic for either of the Serbian's goals and was bullied at times from the center forward. Passing was not up to his usual high standard as his runs into midfield from defense too often left Barca surrendering possession cheaply.

  • Carles Puyol
    21
    44
    3.00

    Carles Puyol

    Uncharacteristically lacked communication with partner Gerard Pique. The gap between the two was far too big for the opening goal. The Barca captain also struggled to deal with the physique of Lekic up front for Osasuna, who bagged two goals.

  • Éric Abidal
    20
    41
    3.00

    Éric Abidal

    Gave the ball away needlessly on more than one occasion and was not his usual cool-headed self. Looked unable to deal with any pressure put on him by the Osasuna front line. Also awarded Cejudo far too much space on the wing, which led to the second goal.

  • Thiago Alcántara
    19
    41
    3.00

    Thiago Alcántara

    Picked out a couple of lovely passes in the match. Most notably a pass through to Alexis that the Chilean scored but was ruled as offside. However, as the game went on he drifted in and out and was unable to unlock the defence the way that Xavi or Iniesta might have been able to.

  • Javier Mascherano
    17
    44
    3.00

    Javier Mascherano

    Is usually one of the most assured men on the park but did not excel in his role as the most experienced member of the midfield trio. Attempted to do too much going forward instead of sitting in front of the defence, which left Barca exposed.

  • Sergi Roberto
    40
    48
    2.00

    Sergi Roberto Flop of the Match

    Showed plenty of enthusiasm and made a number of runs through the center. However, perhaps could not deal with the occasion when Barca were under massive pressure to try and get into the game. Became quieter as the match progressed and his flick-on saw a late strike ruled out for offside.

  • Alexis Sánchez
    26
    51
    3.50

    Alexis Sánchez

    Scored a perfectly legitimate goal with a nice finish in the first half so was unlucky not to have grabbed two goals in the match. The surface made it difficult for the Chilean to run at defenders at pace so this hampered his ability to cause trouble. Showed his striking instincts for his goal just after the break and saw another effort disallowed. Also had a penalty appeal turned down.

  • Lionel Messi
    54
    109
    3.00

    Lionel Messi

    The conditions of the match certainly had a negative affect on the Argentine. Attempted a few strong runs through the centre but each well handled by Osasuna. Was guilty of taking too many touches at times, particularly in the first half when he had the chance to strike at goal first time from a decent position on the penalty spot.

  • Pedro
    17
    53
    2.50

    Pedro

    Relies heavily on his pace and incisive touches to have joy in a game and simply could not effectively work on the frozen surface. Was lackluster when in possession and took too much time to make up his mind on passes. Taken off at half time.

Substitutions

  • Cesc Fàbregas
    22
    44
    3.00

    Cesc Fàbregas

    Came on as Barca chased the game but ultimately did not have enough time to affect the game for the Catalan side. Should have done better with a late header.

  • Cuenca
    26
    43
    3.50

    Cuenca

    Instantly changed the game for Barcelona. Looked very dangerous after his introduction at halftime and left Raitala for dead with his pace down the right flank. Set up Sanchez's goal with a wonderful cross.

  • Tello
    47
    36
    3.50

    Tello

    Barcelona looked more able to cause Osasuna problems after he came on. Scored an excellent goal and saw neat curled shot from the left well saved by Fernandez in the Osasuna goal.

Results
 
Player Ratings
Tournament
Position
Ranking
Top Scorers
Player   Goals Penalties
Lionel Messi Lionel Messi
Striker
Barcelona
46 4
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo
Striker
Real Madrid
34 6
Radamel Falcao Radamel Falcao
Striker
Atlético de Madrid
28 8
Roberto Soldado Roberto Soldado
Striker
Valencia
21 5
Negredo Negredo
Striker
Sevilla
20 3