Osasuna vs. FC Barcelona: Barça hit the buffers in Pamplona (0-0)

Pamplona (FCB).- Barça failed to match La Liga’s best ever start to a season, drawing in Pamplona to put an end to an eight game winning run, though 25 points from a possible 27 represents a great testimony to Tata Martino’s beginning at FC Barcelona.

Only a lack of sharpness up front denied Barça the win, particularly after the break when Neymar and Cesc both had great chances to make it a winning start to a week that sees the team face AC Milan and Real Madrid.

Lack of incisiveness up front

Tata Martino sent out a team in Pamplona featuring Montoya and Puyol, after a seven month injury layoff, whilst Mascherano and Messi began on the bench, but FC Barcelona began in typical style, looking comfortable from the off.

Possession belonged to the visitors until the Osasuna area, where the home side had shut down the spaces to impede Barça’s chances of creating danger and their best chance early on came from a Bartra header from a corner.

More chances

Barça improved after the break, as their upped their game a gear. Neymar lead the line and Montoya was a constant threat down the right flank with a number of crosses that just failed to find someone to put them away. Cesc also had a couple of great opportunities, but couldn’t quite finish them off.

Messi comes on

Martino brought on Leo Messi and then Cristian Tello to try and break the Basques’ defensive wall, but it wasn’t to be and Osasuna put an end to Barça’s 100% start.