1980's

80's

From Murcia to Europe: Osasuna's First Golden Era

Before 1980, Osasuna had played in the Primera División for only eight seasons since its inception. However, everything changed in the 1980s. The club enjoyed a remarkable 14 consecutive years in the top tier of Spanish football, earning a reputation as a solid contender, a status that has persisted for four decades. The success of the Rojillos was notable; they not only excelled in domestic competitions but also began to compete in European tournaments.

"Alzate's Osasuna" continued to foster osasunismo in the top division. The head coach from Vejer de la Frontera led the team for two seasons before Ivan Brzic took over. With a more defensive style of play, Brzic led Osasuna to Europe for the first time in the club's history in his second season. The team secured their European spot by finishing sixth in the league, with a crucial last match where José Manuel Echeverría scored the winning goal against Real Sociedad, a direct contender for that European position.

June 1, 1980. Osasuna returned to Primera Divsión thanks to a goal by Txuma Rández, 0-1.

On September 18, 1985, Osasuna played its first European match at Ibrox Park, home of the Glasgow Rangers. In the first leg, a lone goal from Paterson gave the Scottish team the advantage. However, in the second leg, goals from Patxi Rípodas and Enrique Martín propelled Osasuna to victory. Martín's goal celebration—where he jumped onto the fence and raised his fist—became an iconic image of osasunismo and is considered one of the most memorable moments at El Sadar. Despite their efforts, they could not overcome Waregem from Belgium in the next round.


A significant decision in 1982 marked a turning point for the club. Fermín Ezcurra inaugurated the Tajonar Sports Complex, an 80,000 square meter facility dedicated to nurturing and developing young talent, which has been essential for the club ever since. That same year, the club launched the first Torneo Interscolar de Navidad, an interscholastic football tournament that has become a beloved Christmas tradition for children across Navarre.

September 18, 1985, Ibrox Park (Glasgow). Osasuna made its European debut. Despite losing the first leg 1-0 against Rangers, los rojillos turned it around at El Sadar, 2-0, in the second leg. Pictured: Iñaki Ibáñez.

The decade was filled with memorable moments, including Javier Castañeda's remarkable stop against Diego Armando Maradona in 1983 and the suspension of a match against Real Madrid in 1989 when a projectile was thrown at Paco Buyo. However, it's impossible to discuss Osasuna in the 1980s without mentioning their longest-serving coach: Pedro Mari Sabalza.

The Pamplona native took over the team after Brzic left midseason during the 1986-87 season. As the years progressed, the team evolved, and fan favorites began to emerge alongside seasoned players. Young talents like Jon Andoni Goikoetxea, Iñaki Ibáñez, and Roberto Santamaría joined veterans such as Javier Castañeda and Patxi Rípodas. This era also saw Michael Robinson join the Rojillos after winning the Champions League with Liverpool. Another notable addition was British defender Samy Lee, who, alongside Pepín Salcedo, José Ángel "El Cuco" Ziganda, and Miguel Merino, made a lasting impact. As the club approached the 1990s, hope and optimism were high.