“The referee has not been fair to us” - Barcelona star slams official after 5-3-2 formation results in loss

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has questioned the officiating after seeing his side drop points for the first time this season in La Liga. La Blaugrana fell to a shock 4-2 defeat at the hands of Osasuna, recording a first league defeat under Hansi Flick.

Flick opted to rotate his squad for the tie, choosing to hand striker Pau Victor his full debut up front alongside Robert Lewandowski. There were also starts for Sergi Dominguez and Gerard Martin at the back, as the German manager opted for what looked like a 5-3-2 formation.

Pedri started the match and lasted the whole 90 minutes for Barcelona as they succumbed to a loss against their opposition. The midfielder spoke after the game about the result, pointing out that refereeing decisions had not gone their way, costing them the win. He said (via @BarcaUniversal);

"There was a very clear foul on Pau Victor (before their second goal) and there was a very clear penalty on Lamine. The referee has not been fair to us."

Barcelona came into the game on the back of a seven-game winning streak in La Liga, but were undone by a dogged display from their hosts. Flick's side had 75% of the ball but managed to create only 0.68 xG throughout the game, while their hosts created 2.24 xG.

Pedri was one of his sides' better performers on the night, touching the ball 97 times. He recorded a 84% passing accuracy, won ten duels and won five fouls. He also won all of his tackles, made nine recoveries, one clearance and one interception.

Barcelona lose impressive 2024-25 streak against Osasuna

Barcelona suffered a first defeat of the 2024-25 season in La Liga at the hands of Osasuna in their Matchday Eight encounter at El Sadar. La Blaugrana were soundly beaten by the side from Pamplona, who recorded a first home win over their illustrious visitors since 2012.

Hansi Flick opted to shuffle his pack, leaving Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez, and Marc Casado on the bench. In the continued absence of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen through injury, Inaki Pena started the game between the sticks in another change. The result of these changes was a 2-0 deficit at half-time, with goals from Ante Budimir and Bryan Zaragoza in the 18th and 28th minutes, respectively.

Pau Victor pulled one back for Barcelona after 53 minutes before Budimir restored his side's two-goal advantage with a 72nd minute penalty. Abel Bretones scored in 85th minute to make it 4-1 before substitute Yamal scored a fine goal to make it 4-2 after 89 minutes.