Osauna draws 1-1 against Deportivo Alavés, falls just short of European dream

Club Atlético Osasuna (12-16-10, 52 points) ended the season after a hard-fought match, but fell short of materializing its European hopes after a 1-1 draw against Deportivo Alavés (10-12-16, 42 points) at Mendizorroza on Saturday night. The hosts took the lead through a penalty converted by forward Carlos Vicente, before forward Raúl García drew level in the 88th minute. Despite Los Rojillos' late push and multiple efforts in the closing stages, the opposition goalkeeper denied them a winning goal.

Osasuna delivered a solid and energetic performance in the first half at Mendizorrotza, showcasing sharp transitions and cohesive combination play. The visitors repeatedly found space behind the Alavés defense—notably with a deep pass from defender Enzo Boyomo that put forward Ante Budimir through on goal. His shot narrowly missed the post. At the back, the team remained compact and quick to recover, using the flanks to create danger, including a cross from defender Jesús Areso that defender Alejandro Catena headed just wide. Goalkeeper Sergio Herrera made two crucial saves from long-range efforts, ensuring his team remained level during periods of sustained pressure.

After the break, the visitors maintained their attacking intent and created several clear chances. Early in the second half, Budimir threatened twice—first with a flicked header from a long throw-in, then with a shot that forced a fine save from goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. However, Alavés struck first, as Vicente converted a penalty in the 54th minute. The Navarrese side continued to press forward, with long-range attempts from midfielder Aimar Oroz and defender Abel Bretones testing the defense. The equalizer eventually came in the 88th minute when García capitalized on a headed flick from Catena inside the box. Still, the goal proved insufficient, and despite Osasuna's efforts until the final whistle, they could not find the winner that would have secured a European berth.

Box Score

Deportivo Alavés 1-1 Osasuna

Goals:
ALA: Carlos Vicente (5) (Penalty kick) 56’
OSA: Raúl García (4) (Alejandro Catena 3) 88’

Discipline:
ALA: Tomás Conechny (Yellow card) 65’
OSA: Raúl García (Yellow card) 75’
ALA: Facundo Garcés (Yellow card) 77’
OSA: Jesús Areso (Yellow card) 78’

Deportivo Alavés: Antonio Sivera; Facundo Garcés, Manu Sánchez, Aleksander Sedlar (Adrián Pica, m. 79), Carlos Vicente, Antonio Blanco, Nahuel Tenaglia (C), Kike García (Toni Martínez, m. 63), Jon Guridi (Tomás Conechny, m. 63), Carles Aleñá, Carlos Protestoni (Carlos Martin, m. 79)
Subs not used: Jesús Owono, Adrián Rodríguez; Ander Guevara, Asier Villalibre, Hugo Novoa, Pau Cabanes, Lander Pinillos

Osasuna: Sergio Herrera (C); Juan Cruz (Abel Bretones, m. 59), Lucas Torró (Iker Muñoz, m. 46), Pablo Ibáñez (Raúl García, m. 59), Aimar, Jesús Areso, Rubén García (Unai García, m. 90+3), Ante Budimir, Bryan Zaragoza (Jose Arnaiz, m. 82), Enzo Boyomo, Alejandro Catena
Subs not used: Aitor Fernández, Rafa Fernández; Jorge Herrando, Jon Moncayola, Kike Barja, Rubén Peña, Moi Gómez

Stats Summary:
ALA/OSA
Shots: 14/19
Shots on Goal: 5/5
Saves: 4/4
Corners: 6/10
Fouls: 15/6
Offsides: 3/2
Possession: 46.7%/53.3%

Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández
Assistant Referees: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso & Alejandro Estévez Iglesias
Fourth Official: Roberto Gonzalo Sánchez
VAR: Daniel Jesús Trujillo Suárez
AVAR: Rubén Becerril Gómez