The stage is set in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for a thrilling duel to determine the definitive Group B champion in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. On July 5th, under the evening lights, the Indian Tigresses will face off against the formidable Chaba Kaew of Thailand. This isn't just another group stage match; it's a winner-takes-all clash, a culmination of weeks of intense preparation and impressive performances from both sides. With only the group winner securing a coveted spot in the main tournament in Australia, the stakes could not be higher. The atmosphere is palpable. Football fans across Asia, particularly in India and Thailand, are buzzing with anticipation. Social media is ablaze with predictions, analyses, and fervent support for their respective nations. This match is more than just a game; it's a narrative of ambition, growth, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in women's football. The Journey So Far: A Tale of Dominance and Determination Bo...
After Osasuna defeated Barcelona 4-2 on Saturday despite having just 25% of the ball, Barcelona's undefeated record in La Liga is ended.
Given that Barcelona had won all eight of their previous La Liga visits to El Sadar, it ought to have been an easy victory. Osasuna, however, had a surprise in store.
It eventually came back to haunt manager Hansi Flick when he started a few young players, such as Pau Víctor, Pablo Torre, Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, and Sergi Domínguez.
Under Flick, Barcelona has only conceded 5 goals in La Liga, while they have scored 4!
After scoring on the counter both times, the hosts took advantage of a 17- and 19-year-old center-back combination to take a commanding 2-0 lead in just 28 minutes. After forty minutes, Barcelona, on the other hand, had no shots.
After arriving late in the box, Bryan Zaragoza ran ahead and past goalkeeper Iñaki Peña Sotorres from a tight angle, surpassing Ante Budimir as the club's all-time La Liga scorer.
Minutes into the second half, Barcelona must have had a blistering conversation during halftime, suggesting that the comeback was imminent. Víctor's unexpected strike wobbled badly and sent Sergio Herrera to sleep, winning 2-1.
But even with Flick bringing on big guns Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, Barcelona was unable to muster any meaningful offensive play and lost three times in a row when they broke. On his record-breaking night, Budimir secured a brace while Domínguez gave up a penalty.
Furthermore, Osasuna's historic victory was sealed when substitute Abel Bretones scored from long range after depriving the Spain prodigy of the ball, even if Yamal ultimately reached the upper right corner on his own.
As a result of their first home victory over Barcelona in twelve years, Osasuna now sits sixth in the table. If Real Madrid defeats Atletico Madrid on Sunday, they will trail Barcelona by one point.
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