⚽ Convincing Victory for Los Rojillos at El Sadar
In a crucial Matchday 37 La Liga clash, Osasuna defeated Espanyol 2-0 at El Sadar Stadium, keeping their hopes of qualifying for European competitions alive. The goals came from Ante Budimir (16′) and Raúl García de Haro (90′), in a match where the Navarrese side displayed superior efficiency and tactical control.
With this result, Osasuna remains in the race for a Europa League or Conference League spot, while Espanyol stays in a precarious position in the relegation battle, needing favorable results on the final matchday.
Image by: navarra.okdiario.com
🏟️ First Half: Budimir Opens the Scoring with a Lucky Deflection
16’ – Osasuna Goal! (1-0) – Ante Budimir
- Play: Aimar Oroz took a shot from outside the box, the ball deflected off Budimir, wrong-footing goalkeeper Joan García and rolling into the net.
- Context: Osasuna started aggressively, with Bryan Zaragoza as the main threat down the left. At 5’, Lucas Torró had already hit the crossbar with a header from a Rubén García cross.
Other Key Moments
- 27’: Torró missed another clear header chance after a great cross from Jesús Areso.
- 41’: Javi Puado had a golden opportunity to equalize, but Sergio Herrera made a crucial save.
Tactical Highlights
- Osasuna: Dominated play on the wings, especially through Zaragoza and Areso.
- Espanyol: Tried to control midfield with Edu Expósito, but failed to create clear chances.
Halftime: Osasuna 1-0 Espanyol
🔁 Second Half: Espanyol Pushes, But Raúl García De Haro Seals the Win
68’ – Herrera’s Crucial Save
- Play: Alejo Véliz (who came on at halftime) fired a powerful shot from inside the box, but Herrera tipped it over for a corner.
90’ – Raúl García de Haro’s Goal! (2-0)
- Play: On a quick counterattack, Iker Muñoz released Raúl García, who cut inside and fired a low shot past Joan García.
Cards & Substitutions
- 29’: Yellow card for Marash Kumbulla (Espanyol) for a rough foul on Jesús Areso.
- 74’: Pere Milla and Alejo Véliz came on as Espanyol chased an equalizer.
- 77’: Raúl García replaced Budimir and ended up deciding the game.
Final Score: Osasuna 2-0 Espanyol
📊 Impact on the La Liga Table
- Osasuna (8th, 51 points): Still dreaming of Europe but needs Rayo Vallecano to slip up.
- Espanyol (16th, 35 points): Just 2 points above relegation, needing a win against Las Palmas on the final day.
🧠 Tactical Analysis: How Osasuna Won
Osasuna (4-2-3-1 Attacking)
- Strategy: High pressing and wing play (Zaragoza & Areso).
- Strengths: Quick transitions and set-piece efficiency.
- Weaknesses: Struggles to maintain possession against defensive teams.
Espanyol (4-2-3-1 Attacking)
- Strategy: Midfield control with Expósito and Puado.
- Strengths: Good ball circulation but lacked creativity in the final third.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to counterattacks.
⭐ Man of the Match: Aimar Oroz (Osasuna)
- 1 assist (for Budimir’s goal)
- 4 successful dribbles
- 88% pass accuracy
- 3 key shots
He was the engine of Osasuna’s midfield, dictating play and creating danger.
Image by: estadiodesportivo.com
📚 Match Facts & Stats
- Osasuna hadn’t lost to Espanyol at home since 2018.
- Ante Budimir reached 21 goals this season, his best career tally.
- Espanyol hasn’t won in 5 matches, worsening their relegation fears.
🗓️ Upcoming Fixtures
Alavés vs. Osasuna (Matchday 38)
- Date: May 24
- What’s at stake: Must win and hope Rayo Vallecano drops points for European qualification.
Espanyol vs. Las Palmas (Matchday 38)
- Date: May 24
- What’s at stake: A must-win to avoid relegation.
🔎 Osasuna Stays in the Hunt, Espanyol in Despair
Osasuna did their part and now awaits other results for a European return. Meanwhile, Espanyol faces a nerve-wracking final matchday, with real risk of dropping to the second division.
⚽ The final round promises drama at both ends of the table! ⚽
News cover image by: estadiodesportivo.com
