Barcelona’s reign as Spanish League champions was put in jeopardy on Saturday by a 3-2 meltdown at lively Osasuna.
The shock defeat leaves the world champions seven points behind runaway leaders Real Madrid, who will go 10 points clear if they manage to beat fourth-placed Levante at home on Sunday.
It was Barca’s second league defeat. They have dropped 16 points on their travels this season. They looked tired mentally and physically, as a result of their cup exertions on Wednesday against Valencia.
In freezing Pamplona, Serbian striker Dejan Lekic took advantage of Barca’s lethargy to give Osasuna a 2-0 lead by half-time.
Alexis Sanchez pulled a goal back for the visitors straight after the interval, only for Raul Garcia to make it 3-1 for Osasuna. Young winger Cristian Tello pulled a second goal back for Barca, but Osasuna managed to hold on despite a late, weary assault from the champions.
Earlier on Saturday, Atletico Madrid could only manage a 0-0 draw at lowly Racing Santander.
Atletico dominated from start to finish in chilly Santander, with the hosts content to sit back and play on the break. Time and again, Radamel Falcao and company were foiled by Santander keeper Tono, who turned in a stellar display.
Atletico have not lost since Diego Simeone took over as coach at Christmas, and have not conceded a single goal in six games. They are now one point behind fifth-placed Espanyol but one ahead of Athletic Bilbao.
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