When FC Barcelona quietly began planning life after Robert Lewandowski, few expected the club to identify a successor so decisive, so ambitious, and so symbolically powerful. Yet in a move that reflects both sporting logic and philosophical intent, Barcelona have zeroed in on Julián Álvarez as the striker destined to lead the Blaugrana attack into a new era. This is not merely a transfer rumor or a speculative shortlist inclusion—it represents a clear statement of direction from a club rebuilding its identity while navigating financial constraints, tactical evolution, and generational change. Lewandowski’s arrival in 2022 was transformative. He brought goals, leadership, and elite professionalism to a side emerging from chaos. But football never pauses, and Barcelona know that the post-Lewandowski era must be planned with the same precision that once defined the club’s golden years. Álvarez, a World Cup winner, Champions League-proven forward, and one of the most tactically versatile a...
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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